Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signalled his intent to move forward with US President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to transfer the Palestinian population out of Gaza. Netanyahu called the proposal "the only viable plan to enable a different future" for the region.
In a meeting with Netanyahu, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who began a Middle East visit this week, voiced his support for Israel’s military objectives in Gaza, including the eradication of Hamas. This has raised doubts about the already fragile ceasefire, as talks surrounding its second phase are yet to begin.
Also Read
Rubio, who will also visit Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is expected to face resistance from Arab leaders regarding Trump’s proposal. The plan includes redeveloping Gaza under US control, which has sparked concerns among rights groups, who argue that the proposal may force Palestinians out of Gaza, undermining their rights. Netanyahu, however, has insisted that any emigration from Gaza should be "voluntary."
Netanyahu and Trump share common strategy
Netanyahu affirmed that he and Trump share a "common strategy" for Gaza. He echoed Trump’s warning, stating that "the gates of hell would be open" if Hamas fails to release dozens of remaining hostages taken during the militant group's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing war.
While the first phase of the ceasefire is set to end in two weeks, talks on the second phase have yet to commence. This phase would involve the release of more hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting truce, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that "phase two is absolutely going to begin" and that discussions with Netanyahu and other officials from Egypt and Qatar have been "very productive."
In a separate development, Israel’s Defense Ministry confirmed the arrival of a 900-kilogram shipment of MK-84 munitions from the US, despite concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. The shipment marks a shift after the Biden administration paused such deliveries last year.
Netanyahu ready to resume fighting
As the war nears 500 days, Netanyahu has signalled his readiness to resume fighting once the current ceasefire phase concludes. US officials, including Rubio, have reiterated that peace remains impossible as long as Hamas continues to hold power in Gaza. Rubio emphasised that Hamas "must be eradicated" to ensure stability.
Hamas, which reasserted control over Gaza at the start of the ceasefire, has rejected Netanyahu’s offer for its leaders to go into exile. Instead, Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanou reiterated the group’s position, supporting a Palestinian unity government or a technocratic committee to govern Gaza.
Challenges ahead for regional diplomacy
As the ceasefire's implementation progresses, Israeli negotiators are scheduled to meet in Cairo to discuss further steps. Meanwhile, Arab leaders are working on counterproposals for Gaza’s reconstruction that do not involve the forced removal of Palestinians, a stance opposed by human rights organisations.
While Netanyahu’s plan gains support in some quarters, it faces fierce opposition from Arab nations, who argue that mass displacement would violate international law. Egypt, a key US ally in the region, has warned that any large-scale Palestinian movement could destabilise its peace treaty with Israel, a cornerstone of US influence in the region. Other countries, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have also rejected the idea of forced displacement.
Agency
Published: 17 Feb 2025, 07:17 am IST
Related Topics
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.