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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal backed by US President Donald Trump, stating that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is completely disarmed. In televised remarks to his cabinet, Netanyahu declared that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces."

The rejection marks a significant public rift between Washington and Israel, coming shortly after Hamas accepted the framework following US-led negotiations. Netanyahu's announcement follows a recent slowdown in Israeli military strikes prompted by diplomatic pressure from Washington. The decision arrives as Netanyahu prepares for an upcoming general election on October 27, where he faces competing pressure from far-right coalition partners resisting concessions and the White House pushing for a ceasefire deal.

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