Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan demanding Hamas disarm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point US-backed Gaza peace proposal, reiterating that Israeli forces will not pull out of the territory until Hamas is completely disarmed. In televised cabinet remarks on Sunday, Netanyahu addressed the plan recently presented by US President Donald Trump and endorsed by Hamas, stating, "Israel rejects the 15-point document."

Netanyahu asserted that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and confirmed troops will continue neutralizing ongoing security threats. The statement follows a operational lull by Israeli forces under diplomatic pressure from Washington. The prime minister continues to face intense domestic political friction ahead of a general election scheduled for October 27, balancing opposition to concessions from far-right coalition partners against Washington's push for an agreement.

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