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.
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.
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