Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to Donald Trump’s plan for taking over and developing the Gaza Strip, despite uncertainty surrounding whether Israel will send a delegation to Qatar to discuss the second stage of the fragile ceasefire.
Netanyahu stated that he is committed to the US president’s plan for creating a different Gaza, following pressure from mediator Egypt. However, the proposal has been widely rejected by Palestinians and the Arab world, with international humanitarian law experts labeling it as ethnic cleansing.
The plan involves Israel relocating its 2.3 million people in Gaza to countries such as Egypt and Jordan. Netanyahu’s government is working closely with Washington to implement the Trump proposal, which has sparked concerns about losing office being more vulnerable to corruption charges.
Netanyahu’s comments come amid protests held across Israel marking 500 days since Israeli hostages were kidnapped and taken to Gaza. The Israeli public opinion may not sway government decision-making on the war, but the protesters are calling for a return to fighting when the first stage of the truce expires.
The Israeli military has also killed a Hamas leader in an airstrike in southern Lebanon, deepening tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/17/netanyahu-committed-to-trumps-plan-to-take-over-gaza