**Trump and Netanyahu Announce Agreement on Gaza War Plan Amid Uncertainty Over Hamas Response**
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have announced their agreement on a plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. However, it remains unclear whether Hamas will accept the proposed terms.
On Monday, Mr. Trump unveiled a detailed 20-point plan designed to conclude the Israel-Hamas conflict and establish governance in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory post-conflict. Central to the proposal is the creation of a temporary governing board, which would be headed by Mr. Trump himself and include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The plan emphasizes that residents of Gaza would not be required to leave their homes. It calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, contingent upon acceptance by both sides. Moreover, it demands that all hostages be released within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance of the plan.
During a joint news conference, Mr. Trump expressed optimism about the progress. “I think we are beyond very close,” he stated. “We’re not quite finished. We have to get Hamas.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu echoed this sentiment while cautioning on Hamas’s potential response. “If Hamas rejects your plan, Mr. President, or if they supposedly accept it and then do everything to counter it, then Israel will finish the job by itself,” he said. “This can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done.”
Mr. Trump also urged the Palestinian people to take responsibility for their destiny by embracing the peace proposal.
### Mediation Efforts Involve Qatar and Egypt
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Egypt’s intelligence chief have presented Mr. Trump’s proposal to Hamas negotiators, who are currently reviewing it “in good faith,” according to an anonymous source familiar with the matter.
While Hamas has previously indicated a willingness to step back from governing Gaza, the militant group has consistently refused to disarm—a key condition long demanded by Mr. Netanyahu as part of any lasting truce.
### Netanyahu Issues Formal Apology Over Qatar Missile Strike
In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a formal apology to Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, regarding a recent Israeli military strike targeting Hamas officials in the Gulf emirate. The strike had angered Arab leaders and triggered rare criticism of Israel from the United States.
The apology was made during Mr. Netanyahu’s meeting with Mr. Trump at the White House. The White House described the phone call between the Israeli and Qatari leaders as a “heart-to-heart” exchange.
According to the White House statement, Mr. Netanyahu expressed “deep regret” that Israel’s missile strike in Qatar unintentionally killed a Qatari serviceman. He also affirmed that Israel would refrain from conducting such operations violating Qatari sovereignty in the future.
### Rising Isolation and Internal Challenges for Israel
These developments come at a precarious time for Israel. The country is facing increasing international isolation, losing support from several long-standing allies. Domestically, Mr. Netanyahu’s governing coalition appears more fragile than ever.
Meanwhile, the White House is showing signs of impatience with the prolonged conflict. President Trump, who has been a staunch supporter of Mr. Netanyahu throughout the war, may soon increase pressure on Israel to wind down military operations.
At a White House event welcoming Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Trump was asked if he was confident an agreement to end the fighting would be reached soon. “I am. I’m very confident,” he replied.
### Background on the Controversial Qatar Strike
The missile strike in Qatar on September 9 targeted Hamas political leadership as the group’s top officials gathered to consider the US ceasefire proposal. The strike marked a significant escalation and risked derailing ongoing peace talks and hostage negotiations.
No senior Hamas officials were killed in the attack, but the targeting of a US ally’s territory drew sharp criticism. Mr. Trump described the strike as “out of step” with both Israeli and American interests and moved swiftly to appease Qatari allies.
Qatar condemned the strike as a blatant violation of international laws and norms. Smoke was reported rising over Doha following the attack. Key Gulf allies, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, expressed their support for Qatar amid rising tensions.
The White House noted that Mr. al Thani welcomed Mr. Netanyahu’s assurances and emphasized Qatar’s continued commitment to regional security and stability.
### Israeli Far-Right Official Defends the Strike
Despite the diplomatic fallout, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, defended the missile strike. In a social media post on X, Ben-Gvir called the operation “important, just, and ethical,” adding, “It is very good that it happened.”
### White House Calls for Ceasefire and Hostage Release
Earlier on Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt urged both Israel and Hamas to finalize an agreement that would end Gaza’s nearly two-year-old war.
“Ultimately, the president knows when you get to a good deal, both sides are going to leave a little bit unhappy,” Ms. Leavitt told reporters. “But we need this conflict to end.”
Mr. Trump and Mr. Netanyahu held discussions with aides in the Oval Office and over a private lunch, with a joint press conference anticipated later in the day.
### Palestinian Officials Express Readiness To Negotiate
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations, stated that Palestinian officials are prepared to work with Mr. Trump and Arab countries to bring an end to the war.
“Let us not delay a single minute more in doing what is necessary for this just peace to replace the unbearable reality of today,” Mr. Mansour said during a Security Council meeting on the Middle East.
### Growing Tensions Between Trump and Netanyahu
Mr. Trump has previously supported Mr. Netanyahu strongly—ordering US airstrikes during Israel’s brief war with Iran in June and defending the Israeli leader amid corruption allegations, which he described as a “witch hunt.”
However, their relationship has become strained recently. Mr. Trump was reportedly frustrated by Israel’s failed strike on Hamas officials in Qatar and last week vowed to prevent Israel from annexing the West Bank, a move supported by some of Mr. Netanyahu’s hard-line coalition partners. The international community opposes the annexation, warning it could end hopes for a two-state solution.
Prior to the White House meeting, Mr. Trump had raised expectations by stating to reporters that the US was “very close” to reaching a deal on Gaza.
—
*This evolving situation remains closely monitored by international observers and stakeholders. Further developments and reactions from Hamas and other parties are awaited.*
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/trump-and-netanyahu-say-they-have-agreed-to-a-plan-to-end-gaza-war-1812667.html
