Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan, demanding Hamas disarm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal presented by US President Donald Trump, reiterating that Israeli forces will not pull back without the complete disarmament of Hamas.

Speaking in televised remarks on Sunday, Netanyahu declared that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and emphasized that military units "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." The announcement follows weeks of diplomatic pressure from Washington, which had led to an operational reduction in Israeli military strikes across Gaza. Hamas had previously expressed agreement with the US proposal in late July.

The refusal highlights growing political strain between Washington and Tel Aviv ahead of Israel's national elections scheduled for October 27, as Netanyahu faces competing pressures from far-right coalition partners and international allies.

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