Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan prior to disarmament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal championed by US President Donald Trump, reiterating that Israeli troops will remain in the enclave until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Addressing his cabinet in televised remarks on Sunday, Netanyahu stated, "Israel rejects the 15-point document" recently accepted by Hamas, adding that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed".

Although Israeli forces have largely paused offensive operations in Gaza following diplomatic intervention from Washington, Netanyahu's refusal underscores a widening rift with the US administration. The public disagreement arrives as Netanyahu prepares for a national election scheduled for October 27, balancing demands from coalition partners with pressure from the United States.

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