Netanyahu rejects Trump-backed Gaza peace plan over disarmament demands

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal championed by US President Donald Trump, asserting that Israeli armed forces will not withdraw from the enclave until Hamas is fully disarmed.

In a televised address to his cabinet, Netanyahu stated that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and pledged to continue countering security threats against Israeli troops. The dismissal follows earlier announcements by Washington celebrating progress on the framework, which had received initial backing from Hamas.

The refusal underscores widening diplomatic friction between Jerusalem and the White House. Netanyahu remains under intense domestic pressure ahead of Israel's scheduled October 27 general election, navigating demands from far-right coalition allies while managing relations with Washington.

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