…says Gaza peace deal is near
US President Donald Trump said he is “close” to a peace agreement that would end the war in Gaza following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Both leaders met at the White House on Monday.
Ahead of the meeting, the Trump administration released a 20-point roadmap for peace in Gaza.
The roadmap seeks an end to the war, the release of remaining hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave.
The plan outlines two possible pathways to peace. Under the first, Israeli forces will pull back to agreed lines if Hamas releases all hostages within 72 hours.
Under the second, if Hamas refuses, Israel will keep its offensive in Gaza while gradually transferring territory to a transitional authority.
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In a joint press conference after the meeting, Netanyahu expressed support for the plan, saying it achieves Israel’s war aims.
Israel’s war goals, according to Netanyahu, include a return of all hostages – alive and dead; Hamas’ disarmament; the group’s withdrawal from Gaza; Israeli security administration of Gaza, including a security perimeter for the foreseeable future; and a peaceful civilian administration in the enclave that is run neither by Hamas nor by the Palestinian authority.
Hamas has yet to agree to the plan.
Trump said Netanyahu would have his “full backing” to carry out any actions if Hamas rejects the proposal.
