During a press conference at the White House on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for President Donald Trump's comprehensive plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Both leaders emphasized that the responsibility now lies with Hamas to accept the proposed terms. This significant development marks a potential turning point in the prolonged hostilities in the region.
The peace plan unveiled by the White House outlines a detailed, step-by-step approach for concluding the war while establishing a governance framework for Gaza. Initially, President Trump will chair a peace board overseeing the region's administration. During the press conference, Trump stated, "If Hamas rejects the deal, Bibi, you will have our full backing to do what you have to do," addressing Netanyahu by his nickname. He emphasized the urgency of ending the war, asserting, "We have to get Hamas, but I think we're going to be able to do that." Trump also called upon Arab and Muslim leaders to assist in facilitating the agreement.
The updated peace plan includes the establishment of a technocratic government composed of Palestinians, which will be supervised by a peace board led by Trump and featuring former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair. Long-term, the plan envisions a potential role for the Palestinian Authority (PA) in governing Gaza, while also leaving the door open for the creation of a Palestinian state. However, Trump acknowledged that Netanyahu has consistently opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Negotiations have been ongoing between Israel and Arab nations regarding the plan's text, focusing on critical issues such as the demilitarization of Hamas and the PA's involvement in future governance. It remains uncertain whether these negotiations have reached a conclusion or if Netanyahu's interpretation aligns with the positions of Arab states and Hamas.
During the press conference, Netanyahu stated that Israel would only be required to make a modest withdrawal following the signing of the deal, with the condition that all remaining hostages would be released thereafter. He warned that if Hamas does not agree to the terms or fails to implement them, "we will finish the job." These remarks appear aimed at appeasing his domestic audience, particularly the hardliners within his coalition.
The outline provided by the White House during the meeting between Trump and Netanyahu specifies that Israeli forces will withdraw to an agreed-upon line, followed by the release of remaining hostages within 72 hours. Additionally, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners currently in its custody. Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and agree to decommission their weapons will be granted amnesty and have the option to leave Gaza. Notably, Hamas is excluded from governing the enclave.
The plan also envisions a comprehensive process for the demilitarization of Gaza, with the United States collaborating with Arab and international partners to establish a temporary international security force. Furthermore, humanitarian aid to Gaza is set to be significantly increased, including support through the United Nations, alongside a proposed Trump economic development plan for the region.
In a notable development during his meeting with Trump, Netanyahu reached out to Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to apologize for violating Qatari sovereignty in a recent Israeli strike on Doha. This apology was a crucial condition for Qatar to resume its mediation efforts with Hamas. Prior to Netanyahu's arrival at the White House, Trump also held a call with the Emir of Qatar.
Many within the White House have viewed Netanyahu as a significant obstacle to peace in Gaza. A Trump adviser remarked, "Everyone — and I mean everyone — is exasperated with Bibi." U.S. officials indicated that Trump was prepared to publicly distance himself from Netanyahu if the Israeli leader did not endorse the peace plan.
This breaking news story has been continuously updated to reflect the latest developments regarding the peace plan and the ongoing situation in Gaza.
