WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House today for a high-stakes meeting focused on advancing a proposed peace deal aimed at ending the ongoing war in Gaza.
The leaders discussed Trump’s newly proposed 21-point Gaza peace plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, phased Israeli military withdrawal, and the creation of an internationally backed transitional authority to govern Gaza. The plan also proposes disarming Hamas and deploying a multinational peacekeeping force to ensure long-term stability.
Netanyahu expressed cautious openness to the plan but stressed Israel’s red lines, including ensuring Hamas is stripped of its military capabilities. “Israel’s security is non-negotiable,” he said during a joint appearance with Trump, while also signaling a willingness to explore “constructive steps forward.”
Trump described the talks as “productive” and said he is “very confident” a deal can be reached within weeks. He emphasized the urgency of ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and restoring regional stability, noting growing pressure from both Arab nations and Western allies.
The proposed plan has not yet been endorsed by Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, and analysts warn that major obstacles remain, including political divisions in Israel, skepticism from Palestinians, and uncertainty about international support.
As the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, today’s meeting may mark a pivotal moment in renewed diplomatic efforts — though the path to peace remains complex and uncertain.
Hamas refuses a ‘foreign entity’ to run post-war Gaza
Taher Al-Nono, Media Adviser to the Head of Hamas’s Political office, said in a statement to Reuters that the group rejects some parts of peace proposals being floated in recent days:
- “The weapons of the Palestinian resistance are tied to the existence of the occupation and the defense of our Palestinian people. If the occupation ends and a Palestinian state is established, then these weapons would become part of the state.”
- “We have said that we are ready to accept a truce that could last for years,”
- “We have not received the plan being talked about. When we do, we will state our position on it according to the interests of our people.”
- “Tony Blair is a figure unacceptable to our people. We agreed to form a committee that does not represent any of the Palestinian factions to manage Gaza’s affairs after the war, and we will not accept the imposition of foreign guardianship over our people.”
- “Our people are more capable of managing their own affairs themselves.”
- “We support the formation of a technocratic government to administer both the West Bank and Gaza in order to ensure political and geographic unity.”–Reuters
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