Israel rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan, demanding Hamas disarm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his rejection of a 15-point Gaza peace plan promoted by US President Donald Trump, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Addressing his cabinet in televised remarks, Netanyahu stated that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces." The announcement underscores a public disagreement with Washington, which had recently announced progress toward a regional settlement that Hamas reportedly endorsed in late July.

The political friction coincides with domestic pressures ahead of Israel's scheduled October elections, where Netanyahu faces competing demands from right-wing coalition partners opposed to concessions and US officials pushing for an enduring ceasefire.

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