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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed Monday to support President Trump’s comprehensive 20-point plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza, with both leaders warning Hamas must accept the proposal or face continued military action with full American backing.
Mr. Trump’s plan calls for an immediate phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and suspension of military operations in exchange for Hamas releasing all remaining hostages within 48 hours. The blueprint includes provisions for an economic development plan to rebuild the devastated territory. The president reported support from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other Arab nations, stating the parties are “very, very close” to an agreement.
Mr. Netanyahu faces increasing international pressure over Israel’s military offensive in famine-stricken Gaza. Western allies have recognized Palestinian statehood, and dozens of diplomats walked out of his United Nations General Assembly speech Friday in protest. Despite this isolation, Mr. Netanyahu praised Mr. Trump’s plan as a “critical step” that achieves Israel’s war objectives of returning hostages, dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities, ending its political rule, and ensuring Gaza never again threatens Israel.
Both leaders issued stark warnings to Hamas. Mr. Trump said he’s hearing Hamas wants a deal but promised Israel full backing to continue fighting if terms aren’t quickly accepted. Mr. Netanyahu reinforced this threat, declaring Israel will “finish the job by itself” if Hamas rejects or undermines the plan.
Hamas has not yet accepted the proposal and has rejected specific measures. Qatar’s prime minister and Egypt’s intelligence chief presented the plan to Hamas negotiators, who are reviewing it in “good faith” according to sources. However, senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu stated Hamas wasn’t involved in drafting the plan.
Key sticking points include Hamas releasing all hostages simultaneously, as the group views hostages as vital leverage and fears elimination without this bargaining chip. Hamas is also expected to reject provisions excluding it from Gaza’s new government and requiring elimination of military infrastructure including tunnels.
The plan establishes an international “board of peace” chaired by Mr. Trump, with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair also serving, to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction until the Palestinian Authority meets conditions to assume control. Under the agreement, Israel would release 250 life-sentence Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 Gaza residents detained after the attack in exchange for 20 living hostages and 28 bodies. The two-year conflict has killed over 60,000 people according to Gaza health officials and caused widespread devastation.
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