Today's Edition
WASHINGTON (AFP)
US President Donald Trump unveiled a wide-ranging Gaza peace plan Monday and won cautious backing from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The 20-point plan was unveiled at a joint press conference in the White House. Trump has also circulated to Arab leaders the plan, which calls for a ceasefire, release of hostages by Hamas, disarmament of Hamas. and gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Other key points include deployment of a "temporary international stabilisation force" and creation of a transitional authority headed by Trump himself and featuring other foreign leaders.
The deal would demand Hamas militants fully disarm and be excluded from future roles in the government. However, those who agreed to "peaceful co-existence" would be given amnesty.
Following Israeli withdrawal, the borders would be opened to aid and investment.
Palestinians will not be forced to leave Gaza and instead, the document said, "we will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza."
Netanyahu made clear he was in favour, saying it "achieves our war aims," while Trump said he was hopeful that Hamas would also give its backing.
Approval from all sides was "beyond very close," Trump said.
However, many important details remained to be clarified.
Netanyahu stressed to reporters that Israeli forces would retain responsibility for Gaza security "for the foreseeable future."
The US president had met key Arab leaders at the United Nations last week and said Sunday on social media that "ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER."
