President Trump warned that Hamas faces “total annihilation” if it refuses to relinquish control of the Gaza Strip, as efforts continue to advance his ceasefire plan. Trump said Israel had temporarily stopped its airstrikes in Gaza, calling the move “a critical step” toward reaching an agreement.
Netanyahu tells bereaved families that "if the hostages are not released by the deadline that President Donald Trump set – Israel will return to fighting with the full support of all the involved countries." PM vows that "PA will not govern Gaza the day after," and that "Israel will be responsible for the demilitarization of weapons in the Strip."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hits back at Greta Thunberg, noting that allegations of insufficient food, water, and bedbug-related rashes are "crude lies." National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says he is "proud" of terrorist-level detention.
A senior Israeli official said Israel will continue a policy of preempting threats from Gaza even after Israeli forces withdraw under President Trump's plan, and asserted that about 90 to 95 percent of Hamas's infrastructure has been destroyed.
Legal counsel Sena Eliküčük claims Israel mistreating flotilla detainees, may escalate case to world tribunal. Israel dismisses claims that Thunberg had to kiss flag, crawl. "Greta did not complain to the Israeli authorities about any of these ludicrous and baseless allegations – because they never occurred," Foreign Ministry says.
According to the president, once the terrorist organization approves the proposal, the ceasefire will take effect immediately, as will the release of the hostages. He added that further stages would follow, leading to what he described as the end of a “3,000 year catastrophe.”
Minister Ron Dermer will lead the Israeli delegation, while Jared Kushner and US envoy Steve Witkoff will join mediators. The first dispute centers on who will control areas vacated by the IDF under the plan’s initial phase.
Israeli Negotiation teams have been instructed to prepare for departure even before the venue of the talks is determined. The initial discussions will focus on the terms of the ceasefire, stages of the IDF’ withdrawal, and the release of hostages and Hamas terrorists.
IDF troops have been ordered to avoid any unusual operations and focus on defending their positions, with instructions to strike only in response to an immediate and identifiable threats. Israeli officials believe that Hamas is attempting to gain leverage in negotiations by offering evasive responses, while also recognizing that these are particularly sensitive days.
Decision-makers in Jerusalem believed that Hamas intended to use Trump’s proposal as a starting point for negotiations, without backing down from its long-standing demands. However, Trump’s congratulatory statement to Hamas for accepting the framework cemented a new reality and effectively cornered Israel.
