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, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the enclave until Hamas is completely disarmed.

In televised comments, Netanyahu affirmed that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and stated troops "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." The position creates a sharp split with US President Donald Trump, who had promoted the framework after Hamas conditionally agreed to the proposal.

While Israeli military operations in Gaza have slowed under Washington's influence, Netanyahu's refusal highlights internal political pressure ahead of Israel's general election on 27 October, as he balances far-right coalition demands against relations with the US.

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