US President Donald Trump’s outlines the pathway to a Palestinian state and a road map for Gaza’s future.
It includes the release of all hostages, living and dead, who are still being held by Hamas, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians detained in Israel.
The plan would see Hamas disarmed and removed from power. Gaza would initially be run by a transitional government, possibly with former Hamas members who commit to the proposal.
Israel would halt all military operations and hand over any captured territories while also withdrawing from the coastal enclave. The plan also contains provisions of guarantees about aid from international agencies being able to reach Gaza.
In his speech at the White House, Netanyahu said, “Gaza will be demilitarized. Israel will retain security responsibility, including a security perimeter, for the foreseeable future. And lastly, Gaza will have a peaceful, civilian administration that is run neither by Hamas nor by the Palestinian Authority.”
But he warned that if Hamas rejects the plan or tries to counter it, Israel would “finish the job by itself.”
“This can be done the easy way, or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done,” Netanyahu vowed.
Meanwhile, Trump urged Palestinians to “take responsibility for their destiny” and push for the deal with Israel to be accepted.
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