Netanyahu rejects Trump-backed Gaza peace plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vehemently rejected the US-backed Gaza peace plan, stating that Israeli troops would not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is fully disarmed. The Israeli leader referred to the 15-point document, dubbed the US-backed roadmap, agreed upon by Hamas in July. The Israeli military, Netanyahu emphasized, would not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas was genuinely disarmed, including heavy weaponry, lighter weaponry, and all other forms of arms.

Netanyahu noted that while Israel is in talks with Washington, they remain firm on their stance. He described Trump as "our greatest friend in the White House" but added that they have differing views on some matters. The US President announced a breakthrough on the 15-point roadmap last month, which calls for Israeli troops to withdraw as Hamas relinquishes its weapons.

The International Stabilization Force would then work alongside a new Palestinian police force to secure Gaza. However, Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the US, and several other nations, does not use the term "disarmament." Instead, it claims to have agreed to store its weapons under a US-backed Palestinian technocratic administration.

Hamas remains committed to the roadmap, according to a senior political bureau member. The disagreement arises at a politically sensitive time for Netanyahu, who is running neck and neck or behind in some polls ahead of elections scheduled for October 27. The prime minister is under pressure from far-right members of his government who oppose concessions to Hamas.