In a dramatic White House moment, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted a U.S.-backed plan to end the nearly two-year Gaza war. He then urged Hamas to get on board, warning that the U.S. would back Israel if the militant group says no.
Trump praised the “20-point” proposal as a way to bring a ceasefire, swap hostages, and start a phased Israeli withdrawal. It also calls for Hamas to disarm and for a transitional Palestinian administration under an international board led by Trump and former British PM Tony Blair. 🤔
Netanyahu, on his fourth visit to Washington since January, said the plan meets Israel’s goals: freeing hostages, dismantling Hamas’ military wing, and making sure Gaza “never again poses a threat.” He noted he’s cautious about any role for the Palestinian Authority without big changes.
Hamas hasn’t officially replied yet. It still holds 48 hostages, with 20 believed alive. Officials in Qatar and Egypt say they’ve passed the plan to Hamas, which will review it “in good faith.”
Qatar, despite recent tensions, reinforced its mediator role after Netanyahu apologized for an air strike in Doha that killed a Qatari officer.
European leaders from France to the UK and Germany gave the proposal a thumbs-up, seeing it as a rare shot at peace. Can this bold plan really press pause on the fighting? Stay tuned. 🌍
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Trump says Israel accepts plan to end Gaza war, urges Hamas to follow
cgtn.com
