Netanyahu rejects Trump-backed Gaza plan demanding full disarmament of Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally dismissed a US-backed 15-point proposal aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, stating that Israel's armed forces will maintain their presence until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Addressing his cabinet, Netanyahu declared that Israel "rejects the 15-point document" that had previously gained support from Hamas and US President Donald Trump. He affirmed that Israeli soldiers "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and pledged to continue operations countering threats against military personnel.

The refusal underscores a visible rift between Washington and Israel over postwar governance and diplomatic timelines. Observers emphasize that Netanyahu faces competing pressures, balancing diplomatic expectations from the United States against political demands from hardline coalition partners ahead of parliamentary elections set for late October.

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