Washington, D.C. — In his fourth visit to Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced support for a US-backed peace proposal aimed at ending the war in Gaza.
At a joint White House briefing on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled the plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the disarmament of the militant group, and the return of all hostages held by Hamas dead or alive.
Since the war began nearly two years ago, more than 250 hostages remain under Hamas’ control.
The proposal also includes a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, however Israel said that they will keep the security perimeter in place for the foreseeable future if the plan will happen.
Another key feature of the plan is the creation of a transitional government in Gaza, to be led by an international body and chaired by President Trump himself.
Netanyahu expressed strong support, saying the deal meets Israel’s war objectives.
He warned, however, if Hamas rejects the plan, Israel is prepared to take stronger military action with the full backing of the United States.
So far, Hamas has not formally received the proposal, though mediators from Qatar and Egypt have been briefed according to multiple media reports.
Meanwhile, several Arab and Muslim nations, along with the Palestinian Authority, have welcomed Washington’s effort.
But the plan was rejected by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, whose Secretary-General described it as a recipe for more violence.
“What was announced at the press conference between Trump and Netanyahu is an American-Israeli agreement, an expression of Israel’s entire position, and a recipe for continued aggression against the Palestinian people.”
“Thus, Israel is trying to impose, through the United States, what it has been unable to achieve through war. Therefore, we consider the American-Israeli announcement a recipe for igniting the region,” Mujahid Leader Ziyad al-Nakhala said.
According to Gaza’s health authorities, more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its offensive.