Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan until Hamas disarms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his firm rejection of a 15-point Gaza peace initiative endorsed by US President Donald Trump. In televised statements to his cabinet, Netanyahu stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and asserted that forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed."

The announcement underlines a growing public rift between Israel and its primary international backer, Washington, despite recent reductions in Israeli military strikes across the territory. Netanyahu faces mounting political pressure domestically ahead of national elections set for October 27, striving to maintain support from right-wing coalition partners opposed to concessions while balancing diplomatic demands from the US administration.

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