Israel rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan as Netanyahu demands Hamas disarm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his government's opposition to a US-backed 15-point peace initiative for Gaza, maintaining that troop withdrawals will not occur until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Speaking during a televised cabinet address, Netanyahu stated that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and vowed to counter ongoing security threats. The proposed framework, previously championed by US President Donald Trump and accepted by Hamas, aimed to establish a lasting resolution to the conflict.

The public refusal highlights escalating diplomatic friction between Washington and Jerusalem ahead of Israel's national election scheduled for October 27. Observers note Netanyahu faces competing domestic demands, balancing pressure from far-right coalition partners against requests from the White House to de-escalate military operations in the enclave.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald.