Israel rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan until Hamas disarms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal backed by US President Donald Trump, stating that Israeli troops will remain in the enclave until Hamas is fully disarmed.

Addressing his cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu declared that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" recently accepted by Hamas. He emphasized that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and announced that operations to neutralize threats would persist. The rejection comes despite the Israeli military temporarily easing offensive actions under American diplomatic pressure.

The political rift highlights growing tension between Washington and Jerusalem ahead of Israel's national election on October 27, where Netanyahu faces competing demands from hardline coalition partners and international mediators.

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