Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan until Hamas disarms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal endorsed by US President Donald Trump, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed."

Speaking during televised cabinet remarks on Sunday, Netanyahu publicly distanced Israel from the framework, which Hamas had accepted in late July. Although the Israeli military recently reduced major offensive operations following American diplomatic pressure, Netanyahu maintained that troops will remain in the territory to counter ongoing threats.

The decision highlights growing tension between Washington and Jerusalem as Netanyahu navigates domestic political pressure from far-right coalition partners ahead of Israel's planned national election on 27 October.

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