Israel rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan until Hamas disarms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his rejection of a 15-point US-backed peace plan for Gaza, declaring in televised cabinet remarks on Sunday that Israeli forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." The statement comes despite pressure from US President Donald Trump, under which major Israeli military strikes in Gaza have reportedly paused.

Netanyahu's formal refusal to accept the framework, which was endorsed by Hamas in late July, highlights a growing policy rift between Jerusalem and Washington. Caught between far-right cabinet coalition partners opposing concessions and American demands for diplomatic progress, Netanyahu faces mounting domestic political friction ahead of Israel's upcoming national election on October 27. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue operations to thwart potential threats.

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