Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan until Hamas disarms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal backed by US President Donald Trump, declaring that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the enclave until Hamas is fully disarmed.

Speaking during a televised cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu directly addressed the framework, which had previously been endorsed by Hamas following US-led negotiations. "Israel rejects the 15-point document," Netanyahu stated, emphasizing that troops "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed."

The prime minister's decision comes despite a recent pause in Israeli military strikes across Gaza following pressure from Washington. Netanyahu is navigating competing political pressures from far-right coalition partners and the White House ahead of Israel's general election scheduled for October 27.

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