Netanyahu formally rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected a 15-point Gaza peace plan supported by US President Donald Trump, reiterating that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. Speaking to his cabinet, Netanyahu confirmed that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and emphasized that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed."

The decision highlights growing friction between Washington and Israel. Trump had previously presented the proposal, which Hamas accepted in late July, as a significant path toward ending the conflict. Netanyahu's stance comes amid domestic political pressure ahead of Israel's general election scheduled for October 27, where he must navigate demands from far-right coalition partners while facing calls from Washington to de-escalate. Despite the political rift, Israeli military operations in Gaza have slowed down recently following US diplomatic intervention.

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