Netanyahu Gaza Trump Peace Deal: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas completely surrenders its weapons. The prime minister’s tough stance has not only put a proposed peace agreement on hold but also raised questions about US President Donald Trump’s peace plan.
Disagreement over Trump administration’s draft
In a video message released on Tuesday, Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel does not accept the draft peace agreement sent by the Trump administration. He clarified that Israel has submitted its objections and comments.
Significantly, the proposed agreement calls for Israel to withdraw from approximately 60% of Gaza, while Hamas begins the process of disarmament. Netanyahu’s tough stance is also seen as an attempt to salvage his political credibility ahead of the Israeli elections in October.
Bodies are emerging from the rubble
While the diplomatic standoff continues, horrific images of devastation are emerging from Gaza. A mass funeral for more than 100 people was held on Tuesday in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City.
These were people who were killed in a horrific attack in November 2023, and their bodies were buried under the rubble. According to the rescue agency “Civil Defence”, recent excavations have recovered 112 bodies, including 40 innocent children.
The death toll crossed 73 thousand.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 73,377 Palestinians have been killed in the war, which began on October 7, 2023. The records department believes the actual number could be much higher, as approximately 7,400 people are still missing and feared buried under rubble. In many cases, entire families have been wiped out, leaving no one to report the missing.
What is the main reason for peace talks?
The biggest obstacle to peace talks remains the sequencing of conditions. Israel maintains that attacks will not stop until Hamas disarms. Hamas, meanwhile, demands that Israel first cease fire and withdraw its troops. This “first-make-it-yourself” approach by both sides has put the prospect of a complete ceasefire in the region on hold for the time being.