Israel ready to end the war under President Trump’s 20-point peace plan

• Decision after meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu

• Plan includes clause to destroy Hamas’s weapons

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump

Washington DC (USA) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prepared to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza. After meeting US President Donald Trump in Washington DC, the two leaders held a joint press briefing and announced this. Trump outlined a 20-point ceasefire proposal. He said Israel would have Washington’s full backing if Hamas refused to cooperate. Netanyahu said there would be peaceful governance in Gaza, Hamas would be disarmed (its weapons destroyed), and Israel would gradually withdraw from Gaza. Netanyahu warned that the task can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done.

However, Hamas refused to lay down arms, saying its members have not received a formal proposal for the plan. The Palestinian Authority, meanwhile, has welcomed Trump’s proposal.

Key elements of the ceasefire proposal

1. The plan proposes to stop the fighting in Gaza, release all hostages, and set up a temporary body to run Gaza’s administration. Trump himself would chair the body, and former British prime minister Tony Blair would also be included.

2. If Israel and Hamas reach an agreement, the fighting in Gaza would end immediately.

3. Under the agreement, Israel would gradually withdraw its forces from Gaza.

4. Hamas would free all hostages within 72 hours.

5. At the end of the war, Israel would release 250 people serving life sentences in Gaza and another 1,700 prisoners.

6. All Hamas bases in Gaza would be shut down and its weapons destroyed.

7. Hamas would not participate in forming Gaza’s government.

Editorial Perspective

Will Hamas, which wages jihad against the Israelis, whom it regards as ‘kafir’ (non-Muslims), ever truly put down its arms ? Hamas’ objective is to transform Israeli territory into a ‘Darul Islam’ under Islamic rule. So, no matter how much Trump indulges in daydreaming, history proves it would not be surprising if Israel, in its national interest, brushed aside a ceasefire and pulverised Hamas.