Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan over Hamas disarmament demand

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal endorsed by US President Donald Trump, stating that Israeli military forces will not pull out of the enclave until Hamas is completely disarmed.

In televised remarks on Sunday, Netanyahu directly addressed the US-backed framework, affirming that Israel "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and promising to neutralize ongoing security risks. The explicit rejection highlights growing friction between Washington and Jerusalem, following Trump's recent announcement of progress toward a deal previously accepted by Hamas.

Despite Netanyahu's public refusal, the Israeli military has recently moderated its offensive operations under pressure from the White House. Netanyahu faces competing political pressures ahead of Israel's national election on October 27, attempting to satisfy far-right coalition partners while maintaining relations with key international allies.

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