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Netanyahu's Peace Plan and Stance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state, aligning with former President Donald Trump's stance.
“Netanyahu firmly rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state, stating neither he nor the agreement included such a provision.”
Netanyahu emphasized that neither he nor the agreement with Trump included provisions for Palestinian statehood, which he argued would reward terrorism and threaten Israel's security.
This position was reiterated during his visit to the US, where he presented a 20-point peace plan developed with Trump, aimed at ending the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The plan demands Hamas disarm and release all Israeli hostages within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance, in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and returning remains of deceased Palestinians on a 15-for-1 basis.
Reactions to Netanyahu's Plan
Netanyahu's plan has faced criticism from within Israel, particularly from far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who called it a diplomatic failure likely to lead to further conflict.
Smotrich opposes any involvement of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza or the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, the UN’s head of the Palestinian refugee agency stressed the importance of including education for Gaza’s children in any peace agreement.
The plan has also been criticized by Hamas, which views it as heavily biased toward Israel and imposing impossible conditions.
Global Reactions to Gaza Plan
The international response to the plan has been mixed.
“Qatar announced it received US-backed security assurances from Israel and planned further talks with Hamas and Turkey regarding the Gaza plan.”
Qatar announced it received US-backed security assurances from Israel and planned further talks with Hamas and Turkey regarding the Gaza plan.
Russia expressed support for Trump’s 20-point plan, hoping it would bring peace.
However, Spain declared it would investigate and ban promotion of products from Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories and reinforced its arms embargo on Israel, while increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Spain also barred individuals involved in what it termed genocide from entering the country.
Gaza Control and Ceasefire Talks
Hamas has rejected the idea of a foreign entity managing Gaza, insisting Palestinians must have full control over their future.
The group criticized the plan as heavily biased toward Israel and imposing impossible conditions.
Despite this, the White House indicated that Israel and Hamas are close to a deal, with a Trump-Netanyahu meeting held at the White House.
Hostage families have urged Trump to push for a ceasefire amid ongoing violence, with dozens of Gazans killed in recent Israeli attacks.