US President Donald Trump is soon expected to formally unveil the American plan regarding Gaza. The proposal includes ending the war, securing the release of hostages, and a "gradual Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip."
"We hope, and I'd even say we're confident, that within days we can announce some kind of breakthrough regarding Gaza," Trump's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said after presenting the plan. "Yesterday we laid out Trump's peace plan for the Middle East, which includes 21 points. We are full of hope, and perhaps even sure, that within a day we will be able to declare some form of progress."
Sovereignty issue raised
The source said the question of Israel declaring sovereignty in Judea and Samaria came up in the discussions, and Trump expressed displeasure at the idea at this stage. However, he criticized Saudi Arabia's recent move to recognize a Palestinian state, calling it ineffective.
At the same time, Politico reported Wednesday that Trump told six Arab and Muslim leaders during meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that he would block Netanyahu from "annexing the West Bank". Two sources said Trump was "adamant in his position and made clear that Israel would not be able to annex the West Bank," according to the report.
Another source noted that despite Trump's promises of a ceasefire, such a deal was not close to being realized. Two additional sources said Trump presented a White House outline for ending the war, which included the commitment regarding annexation along with other provisions concerning governance and security in the "day after" scenario for Gaza.
