Netanyahu reiterates rejection of US Gaza plan demanding total disarmament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace initiative proposed by the United States, insisting that military forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." The announcement comes despite recent pauses in major Israeli strikes following pressure from Washington.

Addressing his cabinet, Netanyahu emphasized that security guarantees require the complete disarming of militant groups before any Israeli troops retreat from the enclave. The decision highlights growing diplomatic friction between Washington and Jerusalem, while Hamas had accepted the framework late last month.

Netanyahu faces significant political pressure domestically ahead of Israel's national election scheduled for October 27, balancing demands from right-wing coalition members against relations with the White House.

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