Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed to increase military pressure on Hamas. He said the tactic would pave the way for Israel to take control of Gaza and implement a “Trump Plan” to drive Palestinians out of the enclave.
Netanyahu’s remarks and the appointment of officials to lead the newly created Israeli agency to help Palestinians leave the Gaza Strip “voluntarily” suggest that his government is pursuing Trump’s proposal for the enclave. He previously said that the US could take over the reconstruction of postwar coastal enclaves and turn it into a Mediterranean resort.
Arab countries, including major US allies in the region, have strongly opposed Trump’s proposal and have given support for an alternative plan created by Egypt to rebuild Gaza within five years. Trump first mentioned the idea when Netanyahu visited Washington in February, but claimed this month that “no one is banishing Palestinians.”
Netanyahu’s claim of success is facing domestic criticism for its claims in a strategy that forces Hamas to negotiate a ceasefire while under attack. Opponents say his government is not engaged in constructive consultations to end the Gaza War and ensure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages.
Hamas announced on Saturday that it had agreed to a ceasefire proposal from mediators in Egypt and Qatar. Israel said it worked with the US to make a counter offer
Sources said Egyptian negotiators have proposed a 50-day humanitarian ceasefire and Hamas has released at least five hostages by the end of the first seven days.
Netanyahu highlighted “military pressure is working” and “creating conditions for hostage release.” Despite major domestic opposition to strategy. The anti-government protest, made up of tens of thousands of people, continues in Israel to seek the release of hostages.
Netanyahu’s words fear that the contract to halt the fight in Gaza will be far away, despite the humanitarian consequences of new attacks on the enclave. Israel renewed its military operations in Gaza on March 18, crushing the ceasefire that took effect in January.
(Source: National)