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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace initiative backed by US President Donald Trump, declaring that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is completely disarmed. Addressing his cabinet, Netanyahu stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" accepted by Hamas in late July, emphasizing that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and will keep acting to counter threats against its troops.

The rejection highlights a growing diplomatic rift between Washington and Israel, even as Israeli military strikes in Gaza have reportedly quieted under American pressure. Netanyahu faces delicate political pressure ahead of Israel's general election on October 27, balancing demands from far-right coalition partners against expectations from the White House.

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