Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan, conditioning withdrawal on Hamas disarmament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally dismissed a 15-point Gaza peace proposal backed by US President Donald Trump, reiterating that Israeli troops will not pull out of the enclave without complete disarmament by Hamas.

Addressing his cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu stated that Israel "rejects the 15-point document" recently accepted by Hamas, stressing that armed forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" while maintaining operations against potential security threats.

The move marks a visible divergence between Tel Aviv and Washington, following Trump's recent announcement of a diplomatic breakthrough. Netanyahu's stance comes amid domestic political pressures ahead of an October general election, where the prime minister faces competing demands from hardline coalition allies opposed to concessions and the US administration pushing for an end to hostilities.

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