Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan until Hamas disarms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal promoted by US President Donald Trump, insisting military forces will remain until Hamas is fully disarmed. Addressing his cabinet in televised remarks, Netanyahu stated that Israel "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and confirmed the rejection of the document, which Hamas had accepted in late July.

The stance underscores growing diplomatic friction between Israel and the United States, even as Israeli military operations in Gaza were recently scaled back following pressure from Washington. Netanyahu's decision coincides with political calculations ahead of an October 27 general election, as he navigates demands from far-right coalition partners who oppose concessions. Separately, regional instability continued as Houthi militants claimed attacks on a port in Yemen and an oil facility in Saudi Arabia.

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