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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will not accept a 15-point peace plan for Gaza put forward by the United States, insisting that military forces will remain until Hamas disarms completely.

Speaking to his cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu affirmed that Israel "rejects the 15-point document" recently accepted by Hamas. He reiterated that armed forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and will persist in neutralizing potential security threats.

The move highlights growing diplomatic strain between Washington and Tel Aviv. While Israeli forces have scaled back offensive operations following American diplomatic pressure, Netanyahu faces competing domestic demands ahead of national elections scheduled for October 27, balancing far-right coalition partners against ties with the White House.

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