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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal promoted by US President Donald Trump, stating that Israeli troops will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas fully surrenders its weapons.

Speaking to his cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu confirmed that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" recently accepted by Hamas. He insisted that Israeli forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and vowed to counter remaining security threats.

The decision underscores growing strain between Israel and its primary international ally, Washington, following US efforts to broker a durable resolution. Analysts note that Netanyahu faces competing pressures, balancing diplomatic demands from the United States against political resistance from far-right coalition partners ahead of upcoming domestic elections.

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