Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza plan demanding full Hamas disarmament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point US-backed peace plan for Gaza, reiterating that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu directly addressed the framework championed by US President Donald Trump, declaring, "Israel rejects the 15-point document." He emphasized that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and vowed to continue countering operational threats.

The rejection highlights growing friction between Washington and Jerusalem, even as Israeli military operations in Gaza have slowed under US pressure. Hamas had accepted the proposal in late July. Netanyahu's decision comes amid domestic political pressure ahead of Israel's national election scheduled for October 27, where he is balancing demands from far-right coalition partners with diplomatic expectations from the United States.

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