Israel rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan, demanding full Hamas disarmament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point US-backed peace proposal for Gaza, declaring that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. Speaking to his cabinet, Netanyahu stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and emphasized that military forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed."

The announcement marks a public dispute with US President Donald Trump, who recently presented the framework as a breakthrough. Netanyahu's decision comes amid mounting domestic political pressure ahead of Israel's general election scheduled for October 27, where right-wing coalition partners oppose territorial concessions. Although Israeli military strikes in Gaza have recently slowed following diplomatic intervention from Washington, Netanyahu reiterated that operations will persist to counter security threats. Meanwhile, broader regional instability continues as Houthi militants claimed separate strikes on targets in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

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