Journalism of Courage
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said he backs US President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the war in Gaza.
“I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which achieves our war aims,” Netanyahu said at a press conference alongside Trump, according to Reuters. “It will bring back to Israel all our hostages, dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities, end its political rule, and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.”
Netanyahu said the first step under the plan would be a “modest withdrawal” by Israel, followed by the release of all hostages within 72 hours.
He said the next stage would involve creating an international body to disarm Hamas and demilitarise Gaza. “If this international body succeeds, we will have permanently ended the war,” Netanyahu said.
Israel would then pull back further depending on Hamas’s disarmament, while maintaining a security perimeter for the foreseeable future, he added.
