Aug 25, 2026, 01:30 AM UTC

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

Speaking to his cabinet in televised remarks, Netanyahu stated that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and confirmed Israel's opposition to the document endorsed by Hamas in late July. The rejection underscores growing diplomatic friction with Washington, even as Israeli operations have scaled back under US pressure. The prime minister continues to navigate competing political pressures ahead of an October 27 election, balancing demands from right-wing coalition partners against relations with his primary international ally.

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

United States President Donald Trump has asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remains "open and operational," despite maritime traffic dropping significantly following recent vessel strikes. While indicating that a resolution could be reached within days, Trump maintained that no direct negotiations with Tehran are scheduled, adding that cargo access to Iran would remain blocked without a diplomatic agreement.

Tehran reiterated that transit through the strategic waterway will stay restricted until Washington changes its conduct, continuing discussions with Oman to establish secure maritime corridors. Iranian officials also cautioned that offensive measures could follow if diplomatic efforts fail. Concurrently, regional security talks continued regarding a phased Gaza ceasefire framework, where Hamas accepted elements of the proposal while Israel insisted on complete disarmament prior to any troop withdrawal.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), Dan, Vijesti.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a US-led 15-point disarmament framework for post-war Gaza, arguing that Hamas would use the deal to stall military action. Despite the stance on disarmament, Israeli officials have quietly allowed initial reconstruction to commence in southern Gaza. Concurrently, Israeli strikes in Khan Younis killed an alleged Hamas commander, while airstrikes in southern Lebanon left one person dead and 11 injured amid ongoing ceasefire talks in Rome.

Regionally, tensions with Iran persist as US President Donald Trump highlighted mounting economic pressure on Tehran while denying reports of large financial transfers. In response, Iranian military commanders warned of decisive countermeasures against potential foreign ground operations, alongside reports from Tehran claiming the neutralization of two foreign intelligence operatives.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), Dan, Danas, Klix, N1.