WASHINGTON/CAIRO/JERUSALEM: President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to support a U.S.-sponsored Gaza peace proposal. The plan, aimed at ending nearly two years of conflict, includes a ceasefire, hostage releases, Hamas disarmament, and the creation of a transitional government under international supervision.
Speaking at a joint White House press conference, Trump described the moment as “beyond very close” to a breakthrough. He expressed hope that Hamas would also accept the deal. The 20-point plan outlines steps for an Israeli withdrawal, a swap of hostages and prisoners, and a roadmap towards peace.
“I want to thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for agreeing to the plan and trusting that together, we can bring an end to decades of death and destruction,” Trump said. This marks Netanyahu’s fourth visit to the White House since Trump returned to office in January.
The visit comes at a sensitive time. Several Western nations recently recognised Palestinian statehood, moves condemned by both the U.S. and Israel as rewarding Hamas. Trump, who promised during his 2024 campaign to deliver peace, is pushing hard to seal an agreement.
Still, the absence of Hamas in the talks has cast doubt over the plan’s future. Many previous ceasefire efforts collapsed due to irreconcilable differences between Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile, Israeli tanks pushed deeper into Gaza City on Monday, signalling Netanyahu’s continued military drive to dismantle Hamas.
The contrast between Netanyahu’s warm reception at the White House and his frosty encounter at the U.N. General Assembly last week was striking. There, many delegates walked out during his speech.
For now, Trump’s proposal signals a renewed U.S. diplomatic push. But with Gaza in ruins and humanitarian needs growing, the success of this peace plan depends heavily on whether Hamas joins the process.
-Agencies
