On Monday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had given preliminary approval to his plan to end the war in Gaza, expressing hope that Hamas would also agree. Trump held a phone call with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while Netanyahu apologized to the Qatari Prime Minister in a White House call for the Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha and violating Qatar’s sovereignty.

At a joint press conference with Netanyahu, Trump said, “I would also like to thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for agreeing to the plan and trusting that if we work together, we can put an end to the death and destruction we have witnessed for many years.” He added, “I hope we achieve a peace agreement, and if Hamas rejects it, which is always possible, they will be the only ones; all others have agreed. But I have a feeling we will receive a positive response.” Trump confirmed that Israel would have his “full support” to eliminate Hamas if the Palestinian movement rejects his 21-point peace plan.

Trump noted that Washington’s plan includes a phased withdrawal of the Israeli army from the devastated Gaza Strip, stating, “By working with the new transitional authority in Gaza, all parties will agree on a timetable for the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces.” He added that it is time for Hamas to accept the 21-point peace proposal.

Netanyahu expressed his support for Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war, saying, “I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which achieves our military goals, will return all our hostages, dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities, end its political rule, and ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.”

Netanyahu also apologized to the Qatari Prime Minister for the strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, expressing deep regret for the death of a Qatari soldier and for violating Qatar’s sovereignty, assuring that Israel will not carry out a similar attack in the future. Netanyahu and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani agreed to form a trilateral group to enhance coordination, improve communications, resolve mutual complaints, and strengthen collective efforts to prevent threats.

According to the American site Axios, Trump’s aides said the president might turn against Netanyahu if the latter rejects the Gaza ceasefire plan. A U.S. administration official noted that support for Israel has dropped to unprecedented lows, including within the White House. Trump’s advisors told Axios that the Gaza peace process is a test of the president’s credibility, warning that all his Middle East goals will be undermined if he fails to convince Netanyahu to end the war.

(Agencies)