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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace framework championed by US President Donald Trump. In televised cabinet remarks, Netanyahu asserted that Israeli forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed," directly opposing the proposal that Hamas endorsed in late July.

The rejection highlights growing friction between Washington and Jerusalem, even as active Israeli offensives in Gaza have largely paused following American diplomatic intervention. Netanyahu's decision comes ahead of Israel's national election scheduled for October 27, where he faces domestic pressure from right-wing coalition partners who oppose concessions in the enclave. While Washington continues to push for a permanent resolution, Israeli officials maintain that military operations will persist to counter security threats until Hamas fully relinquishes its weapons.

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