Lagatar24 Desk
Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after meeting US President Donald Trump at the White House, praised the newly unveiled 20-point Gaza peace plan as a breakthrough but firmly rejected any interpretation that it signaled support for a future Palestinian state. Speaking in a video message, Netanyahu emphasized that the deal isolates Hamas and secures the return of hostages while ensuring Israel’s military presence in Gaza, despite the White House text outlining a phased withdrawal.
Netanyahu Denies Statehood Clause
Asked directly if the agreement meant he had accepted Palestinian statehood, Netanyahu responded: “Absolutely not. It’s not written in the agreement.” He claimed both he and Trump opposed such an outcome, calling it a “massive prize for terror.” However, the official White House plan explicitly includes a conditional pathway toward Palestinian self-determination once Gaza undergoes redevelopment and reforms are enacted by the Palestinian Authority. This aspect has been cautiously welcomed by Arab and European governments but faces opposition from Netanyahu’s coalition allies, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who rejected any steps toward statehood.
Key Terms of Trump’s Proposal
Trump presented the peace plan as a historic step, declaring Middle East peace “beyond very close.” Under the terms, Hamas must disarm in exchange for a ceasefire, hostage releases, and the beginning of humanitarian aid and large-scale reconstruction. Within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance, hostages would be returned, while Israel would release 250 life-sentence prisoners, 1,700 detainees from Gaza, and the remains of Palestinians. Hamas fighters who disarm could receive amnesty or safe passage abroad.
Administration of Gaza would shift to a technocratic Palestinian committee overseen by a “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump and including international figures like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. An international stabilization force would gradually replace the Israeli Defense Forces. While Hamas negotiators have said they would study the proposal “in good faith,” doubts remain among Gaza residents, many of whom view the plan as unrealistic without full Israeli withdrawal.
