Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled his support for transferring Palestinians from Gaza, a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. The proposal includes redeveloping Gaza under US ownership and has sparked criticism from human rights groups, who say it amounts to coercion.
Netanyahu discussed the plan with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his Middle East visit. Rubio endorsed Israel’s war aims in Gaza, saying Hamas “must be eradicated.” However, Arab leaders have expressed concerns about the proposal, citing potential domestic backlash and regional destabilization.
The ceasefire’s first phase ends in two weeks, but negotiations on its second phase are still pending. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said phase two is likely to begin, with Israel and Egypt mediating talks. The US has paused a shipment of munitions to Gaza due to concerns about civilian casualties.
Netanyahu has signaled readiness to resume fighting if the ceasefire is not maintained, which could be fatal for remaining hostages. Human rights groups warn that expelling Palestinians from Gaza would violate international law.
Arab countries have rejected mass displacement of Palestinians, and Egypt has warned that any influx of refugees would undermine its peace treaty with Israel. The UAE and Saudi Arabia also oppose normalization of relations with Israel without a Palestinian state.
The US has offered aid to Arab states if they support a postwar plan for Gaza, but this condition is likely to be met with resistance from countries opposing Israeli policies.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/rubio-kicks-off-mideast-trip-065411766.html