JERUSALEM, CAIRO, and Washington: Even as Israeli forces continue one of its most intense offensives in the battered Palestinian enclave, President Donald Trump has claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consented to a US-backed peace plan for Gaza.
Although the plan asks for a ceasefire and the release of captives, Hamas’ cooperation is still necessary for it to succeed.
During a joint news conference with Netanyahu, Trump expressed his optimism that Hamas will agree to the elusive peace agreement and stated that they were “beyond very close” to doing so.
Trump’s 20-point plan, which was unveiled by the White House, calls for a truce, the exchange of Palestinian detainees held by Israel for hostages held by Hamas, and a staged Israeli pullout from the Palestinian enclave.
