President Donald Trump has unveiled a wide-ranging Gaza peace plan and won cautious backing from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who warned he was still ready to “finish the job” against Hamas.
“If Hamas rejects your plan, Mr President, or if they supposedly accept it and then then basically do everything to counter it, then Israel will finish the job by itself,” Netanyahu said at a joint press conference in the White House.
The 20-point plan, which Trump has also circulated to Arab leaders, calls for a ceasefire, release of hostages by Hamas, disarmament of Hamas and gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Other key points include deployment of a “temporary international stabilisation force” and creation of a transitional authority headed by Trump himself and featuring other foreign leaders.
The deal would demand Hamas militants fully disarm and be excluded from future roles in the government. However, those who agreed to “peaceful co-existence” would be given amnesty.
Palestinians continue to flee toward the central areas of Gaza Strip due to intensified Israeli military attacks in northern Gaza. Many Palestinian families are struggling to survive in makeshift tents set up along streets and the shoreline of Nuseirat Refugee Camp. Source: Getty / Anadolu
Following Israeli withdrawal, the borders would be opened to aid and investment.
Israel has bombarded Gaza since Hamas’ October 7 attack in which more than 1,200 people, including an estimated 30 children, were killed and over 200 hostages taken, according to the Israeli government.
More than 66,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7, according to the health ministry in Gaza.
The October 7 attack was a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
This is a developing story and this article will be updated.
