Netanyahu formally rejects US Gaza plan over Hamas disarmament demand

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a US-backed 15-point peace initiative for Gaza, reiterating that military forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." The announcement marks a clear public rift with US President Donald Trump, who had promoted the plan following its endorsement by Hamas.

Although Israeli military operations in the territory have recently slowed under diplomatic pressure from Washington, Netanyahu remains under significant domestic strain. His coalition faces opposition from far-right ministers resistant to concessions ahead of Israel's upcoming parliamentary election on 27 October. Meanwhile, regional security concerns persist following separate reports of Houthi strikes against targets in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

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