Netanyahu says Israel, Trump working on Gaza ceasefire plan

Netanyahu says Israel, Trump working on Gaza ceasefire plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Sunday that Israel and the White House are working on a new ceasefire plan, just hours before he meets U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. The talks come as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 66,000, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Speaking on Fox News, Netanyahu said negotiations with Trump’s team were ongoing but not finalized. Arab officials briefed on the proposal say the 21-point plan includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages within 48 hours, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Netanyahu has faced mounting global pressure to end the war, including calls for sanctions, boycotts, and a growing number of countries recognizing Palestinian statehood. At the UN last week, he vowed Israel would “finish the job” against Hamas, insisting the group must be dismantled before the conflict ends.

While Netanyahu has suggested allowing Hamas operatives safe passage out of Gaza in exchange for ending hostilities and releasing captives, he remains firm that Israel cannot stop short of victory. About 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israeli officials believing only around 20 are still alive.

President Trump, who has largely stood by Israel since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack triggered the war, has recently shown signs of impatience amid stalled negotiations. He reportedly discussed the ceasefire plan with Arab leaders at the UN General Assembly.

Hamas has confirmed it was briefed on the plan but has not received an official offer via mediators. The group says it is willing to consider proposals but continues to demand a complete Israeli withdrawal as a condition for releasing hostages.

Key Takeaways:

• Netanyahu says Israel and Trump are negotiating a ceasefire plan.
• Draft proposal includes ceasefire, hostage release, and Israeli withdrawal.
• Gaza death toll exceeds 66,000, fueling international pressure on Israel.

Source: AP News