Israel rejects US-backed Gaza plan as Netanyahu demands Hamas disarm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace framework backed by US President Donald Trump, insisting Israeli forces will not pull out of the enclave without total demilitarisation by Hamas. Addressing his cabinet, Netanyahu stated that Israel "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and confirmed the dismissal of the proposal previously accepted by Hamas.

The public rejection highlights a growing diplomatic rift between Jerusalem and Washington, despite Israel's military recently slowing operations in Gaza under American influence. The decision comes as Netanyahu navigates domestic political pressure ahead of Israel's general election scheduled for October 27, attempting to balance demands from far-right coalition partners with diplomatic expectations from the United States. Meanwhile, regional tensions remain elevated following claims of Houthi strikes in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

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