Israel rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan over Hamas disarmament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal presented by US President Donald Trump, insisting that Israeli forces will not pull back until Hamas undergoes full disarmament. Speaking during televised cabinet remarks, Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces."

The decision underscores a growing public rift between Washington and Israel over the conflict's resolution. Hamas had previously accepted the US-backed framework following American-led negotiations. Despite diplomatic pressure from Washington leading to a recent reduction in Israeli strikes, Netanyahu faces internal political pressure ahead of an October election, balancing demands from far-right coalition partners against calls from the White House to finalize a ceasefire.

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