Trump Unveils New Israel-Gaza Peace Plan as Israel Says Troops Won’t Withdraw Until Hamas Is Fully Disarmed

Middle East crisis live: Speaking at a brief media conference, Donald Trump said he was ‘very happy’ with the new Israel-Gaza peace plan, but refused to provide any further details or clarity on the agreement’s terms. President Trump was flanked by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who praised the deal as a ‘historic achievement’.

The Israeli and American leaders met in the White House yesterday evening to finalise the agreement, which aims to bring an end to the long-running conflict between Israel and Hamas. The details of the deal, however, remain shrouded in secrecy, leaving many in the region questioning the terms and implications of the agreement. According to unverified sources, the deal calls for the ‘complete disarmament of Hamas’, which has long been a contentious issue.

Key Highlights

• Donald Trump announced a new Israel-Gaza peace proposal after meeting Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Trump claimed the plan seeks the “complete disarmament” of Hamas.
• Netanyahu described the initiative as a historic opportunity.
• Detailed terms of the agreement have not yet been made public.
• Questions remain regarding troop withdrawals, implementation and Hamas’ response.

Trump claims agreement for ‘complete disarmament’ of Hamas in Gaza but support uncertain. Despite Mr Trump’s bold claims, experts warn that disarmament would be a highly complex and difficult process, if not impossible. The US president also failed to address a crucial point: if Hamas disarmament comes before the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

This uncertainty has sparked widespread concern among Palestinian leaders.   The international community remains sceptical about the success of the deal, with many doubting its feasibility. In a press conference at Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas expressed ‘grave concerns’ about the agreement..

He accused the Israeli government of trying to ‘impose its will’ on the Palestinian people, adding that Palestinians ‘won’t accept anything that doesn’t meet their legitimate demands’.   Saudi Arabia prepares sea and possible land offensive against Houthis. Meanwhile, a separate development took place in the region as Saudi Arabia stepped up its preparations for a possible military operation against Yemen’s Houthi rebel group..

Sources close to the kingdom’s military have reported preparations for a sea and possibly a land offensive, with Saudi warships stationed near Houthi-controlled territories.   US ary of State, Mike Pompeo, has expressed his ‘deep concerns’ about Yemen’s ‘civil war and humanitarian crisis’. He said the Saudi-led coalition must ‘do the right thing’ and ensure that all sides in the conflict uphold their obligations..

Mr Pompeo also called for the Houthis to ‘release all prisoners of war’ and to ‘ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid’.   The mood in Gaza this morning has been reported as sombre by Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud. Palestinians have had to endure years of violence, displacement and economic hardship, and it’s been a long time since they’ve heard genuine news of hope or stability..

Mr Mahoud writes that the mood in Gaza City in the north of the Strip has been dominated by ‘scepticism and cautiousness’.   As the international community tries to make sense of the Trump-Netanyahu meeting, the people of Gaza remain uncertain about their future. With their voices unheard in the global discourse, Palestinians can only speculate about what the Israeli-American deal might mean for them..

The silence has given way to anxiety and despair as hopes of a lasting solution are once more tempered by uncertainty.   The Israeli media has responded overwhelmingly positively to the new agreement, hailing it as a major breakthrough. However, many voices within the country remain critical of the deal, warning that the agreement could undermine the chances of a lasting peace..

Prominent Israeli politician and former Prime Minister Ehud Barak has called for caution, saying that the agreement may create ‘a ticking time bomb’.   In a statement released late last night, the Israeli PM’s office said that the deal was based on ‘mutual understanding’ between Mr Netanyahu and Mr Trump. It added that the agreement aimed to bring an end to the ‘cycle of violence’ between Israel and Hamas..

Critics argue, however, that this deal would only serve to ‘buy time’ for the Israeli government.   US and Israeli experts have pointed to the deal’s potential benefits for the local economy and trade. The deal aims to promote investment and employment in the region, which could improve living standards for Palestinians and Israelis alike..

But these voices remain a minority.   A US State Department spokesperson announced that a joint Israeli-American economic team will work to ‘promote economic cooperation and stability’ in the region. They also mentioned a meeting with Saudi officials to discuss ‘regional stability’ and ‘humanitarian efforts’..

The spokesperson added that a follow-up press briefing will take place when necessary.   Regional leaders remain divided on the deal, reflecting the complexity and sensitivity of the Middle East crisis. The silence from major world powers such as the EU and Russia has been notable, reflecting their cautious views on the deal’s potential implications..