Israel rejects US Gaza peace proposal pending Hamas disarmament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his rejection of a US-backed 15-point peace framework for Gaza, insisting Israeli military forces will not pull out from the enclave until Hamas is completely disarmed. In televised statements to his cabinet, Netanyahu confirmed that Israel "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and pledged to continue countering security threats.

The proposal, introduced by US President Donald Trump and endorsed by Hamas in late July, aimed to establish a lasting resolution to the conflict. Although Israeli operations in Gaza have slowed recently amid diplomatic pressure from Washington, Netanyahu's refusal highlights mounting friction with the US administration. The Prime Minister also faces domestic pressure ahead of Israel's general election on October 27, balancing demands from far-right coalition partners against key international relations.

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