Netanyahu ‘committed’ to Trump’s plan to take over Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to take control of and develop the Gaza Strip, rejecting the Palestinian Authority's (PA) potential return to the region. His remarks came as international discussions on the future of Gaza continue amidst ongoing negotiations over a fragile ceasefire.
Netanyahu’s statement reaffirmed his support for Trump’s vision of a “new Gaza,” where both Hamas and the PA would be excluded, echoing comments made previously about shaping the region after the war. He emphasized that after the conflict, Gaza would be reshaped without the presence of either faction.
The timing of Netanyahu's comments follows reports that Hamas may be willing to hand control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority, with Egyptian mediation playing a role in the development. According to sources cited by Sky News Arabia, Hamas is ready to establish a temporary committee to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction, which has been severely damaged by Israeli airstrikes throughout the conflict.
However, Netanyahu’s stance casts a shadow over the future of the ceasefire, which was nearly derailed by Trump’s unexpected proposal to “take over” Gaza and relocate its 2.3 million residents to other countries, including Egypt and Jordan. This proposal has drawn widespread condemnation, with many experts labeling it as a form of ethnic cleansing under international law.
The Israeli government is set to make a decision soon on whether to send a delegation to Doha, Qatar, to discuss the next phase of the ceasefire agreement, which is set to begin in March. This phase would involve the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, signaling a potential end to the war. The subsequent stages are expected to address issues such as the exchange of bodies, Gaza’s reconstruction, and the future governance of the region.
Netanyahu’s coalition faces pressure from right-wing factions, especially the far-right Religious Zionism party, which has warned of a collapse in support if Israel does not resume fighting when the first stage of the ceasefire expires.
Amid these developments, protests erupted across Israel, marking 500 days since the Hamas attack in October 2023 that led to the kidnapping of Israeli hostages. Demonstrators marched to Netanyahu’s residence, calling for the immediate return of the hostages, as negotiations for their release continue in batches.
Many believe Netanyahu, fearing that losing office might leave him vulnerable to corruption charges, is prioritizing the stability of his government over the resolution of the hostage crisis. His public endorsement of Trump’s plan, including efforts to collaborate closely with the U.S. to implement it, highlights his commitment to this vision.
However, Trump’s plan has been roundly rejected by the Palestinians and the wider Arab world, which is now scrambling to find alternative solutions. A summit in Saudi Arabia will bring together key Arab states to discuss the future of Gaza, while the Arab League will convene later this month to address reconstruction and governance options.
Meanwhile, the European Union is reportedly planning to inform Israel that Palestinians displaced by the conflict must be allowed to return to Gaza in dignity. Europe has also pledged to contribute to rebuilding the war-torn region.
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