Netanyahu dismisses Trump's Gaza plan as ceasefire remains fragile

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has again rejected the ceasefire proposal announced by former US President Donald Trump last month, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel rejects the 15-point document but remains in discussion with Washington over the future of the enclave. His remarks echo similar statements made last week.

The Trump plan had envisioned a phased Israeli withdrawal as Hamas completed its disarmament. There has been no immediate response from the White House to Netanyahu's latest rejection.

Hamas official Bassem Naim said the group remains committed to the roadmap and expects mediators and the US to pressure Netanyahu. The Israeli leader faces domestic political pressure ahead of elections scheduled for October 27.

The conflict began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. A fragile ceasefire was established in October 2025, but Gaza remains largely destroyed, with most of its two million residents living among rubble.

While major fighting has subsided, the ceasefire has been shaky, with near-daily Israeli fire reported until last week. Israeli airstrikes and firing near military zones have killed more than 1,250 Palestinians, including at least 300 children, according to Gaza's health ministry. The ministry's casualty records are considered generally reliable by UN agencies, though it does not distinguish between civilians and militants.

Militants have also carried out shooting attacks on Israeli troops, which Israel cites as justification for its strikes. Four Israeli soldiers have been killed since last October.