Netanyahu rejects Trump's Gaza peace plan, demands Hamas disarm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally dismissed a 15-point Gaza peace proposal championed by US President Donald Trump, maintaining that Israeli armed forces will not withdraw until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Addressing his cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu clarified that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces." The American-backed initiative had previously secured conditional endorsement from Hamas in late July.

The announcement underscores growing diplomatic friction between Washington and Jerusalem, despite Israeli combat operations slowing amid pressure from the White House. The decision also intersects with domestic political maneuvering ahead of national elections scheduled for October 27, as Netanyahu navigates competing pressures from far-right coalition partners and the US administration.

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