Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday to discuss the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire and Gaza’s future. Trump, who claimed credit for brokering the truce, has pushed for a controversial plan to “clean out” Gaza by relocating Palestinians to Egypt or Jordan. However, both countries and Gaza residents have rejected this idea.
Hatem Azzam, a 34-year-old Gaza resident, voiced strong opposition:
“Trump and Netanyahu must understand that the Palestinian people are deeply rooted in their land. We will not leave.”
Israel-Hamas Truce & Hostage Exchange
Under the ongoing 42-day truce, Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. So far, 18 hostages have been freed, while Israel has released around 600 prisoners.
Israel has also announced plans to send a delegation to Qatar for further negotiations on the next phase of the ceasefire, focusing on humanitarian aid and reconstruction in war-torn Gaza.
Trump & Netanyahu: Regional Diplomacy & Saudi-Israel Deal
Trump, known for his dealmaking approach, may offer Netanyahu incentives to maintain the truce. One key focus is a potential normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Talks under Joe Biden stalled due to the Gaza conflict, but Trump claims discussions are “progressing.”
Saudi Arabia has maintained that normalization can only happen with the establishment of a Palestinian state, a demand that remains a major sticking point.
West Bank Violence Escalates
Despite the truce in Gaza, violence in the occupied West Bank continues. Israeli forces launched a deadly operation around Jenin, destroying over 100 homes. On Tuesday, an attack near Jenin killed two Israeli soldiers before the gunman was shot dead.
Meanwhile, the UN has warned that Jenin’s refugee camp is facing a worsening humanitarian crisis, as Israeli operations have left many homeless.
War Casualties & Ongoing Tensions
The Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in:
- 1,210 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians (as per official Israeli figures).
- Over 47,518 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which the UN considers a reliable source.
