Netanyahu Endorses US Plan to Cement Israel’s Control Over Gaza and Sideline Palestinian Authority

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for a U.S.-led 21-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza.

The conflict has resulted in over 66,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, since the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Haaretz

The plan, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, includes the disarmament and removal of the militant group from Gaza's administration.

It also proposes the establishment of a transitional government of Palestinian technocrats under international supervision.

Netanyahu's endorsement of the plan aligns with Israel's war aims, which include the immediate return of all hostages and the demilitarization of the militant group.

However, Netanyahu has rejected the prospect of Palestinian statehood, a stance acknowledged by Trump.

The U.S. plan, which Netanyahu has conditionally accepted, calls for the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

It also emphasizes Gaza's reconstruction and economic development, supported initially by an international security force and later a Palestinian police force.

Mint

However, Netanyahu's endorsement comes with conditions, including the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a peaceful civilian administration in Gaza, not governed by Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.

This plan has faced criticism for potentially sidelining the Palestinian Authority and undermining Palestinian unity.

Netanyahu's support for the U.S. plan is seen as a strategic move to cement Israel's control over Gaza while sidelining the Palestinian Authority.

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Balkanweb

The plan's emphasis on disarming Hamas and establishing a transitional government under international supervision is viewed by some as a way to weaken Palestinian political structures and ensure Israeli dominance.

Critics argue that the plan undermines Palestinian sovereignty and could lead to further instability in the region.

The proposal has also faced opposition from far-right Israeli ministers who advocate for Gaza's destruction rather than a negotiated settlement.

The international response to the U.S. plan has been mixed, with some countries recognizing Palestinian statehood and others criticizing the plan for failing to address the root causes of the conflict.

The plan's focus on disarming Hamas and establishing a transitional government has been seen by some as a way to legitimize Israeli control over Gaza while ignoring Palestinian demands for statehood and self-determination.

Al-Jazeera Net

The proposal has also faced criticism for its potential to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have resulted in widespread destruction and civilian casualties.