Israel rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan until Hamas disarms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal endorsed by US President Donald Trump. Speaking in televised remarks on Sunday, Netanyahu declared that Israel "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and insisted that military forces will remain active to counter potential security threats.

The public rejection underscores a deepening diplomatic rift between Washington and Jerusalem, despite Israeli forces recently scaling back military actions in the territory following American pressure. The US-backed framework had been accepted by Hamas late last month. Netanyahu's firm stance comes as he attempts to navigate conflicting pressures from far-right coalition partners and the White House ahead of Israel's upcoming national election on October 27.

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