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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace framework championed by US President Donald Trump, stating that Israeli troops will not withdraw from the enclave until Hamas completely disarms.

Speaking to his cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu clarified his government's position on the initiative, which had recently gained backing from Hamas. He stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and declared that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces."

The refusal marks an open disagreement between Washington and Tel Aviv ahead of Israel's parliamentary elections scheduled for late October. Although US diplomatic pressure previously led to a pause in major operations, Netanyahu faces strong domestic opposition from coalition partners against territorial concessions.

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