Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed strong support for Donald Trump’s proposal to place Gaza under US control and relocate its population. Speaking to his cabinet upon returning from Washington, Netanyahu described the plan as:
“A completely different, much better vision for Israel—a revolutionary, creative approach that we are currently discussing.”
Trump’s highly controversial plan, announced earlier this week, suggests moving Palestinians out of Gaza to other regional countries while the United States would oversee redevelopment.
Global Outrage Over Trump’s Gaza Proposal
Trump’s remarks have triggered widespread condemnation, particularly from Arab nations. Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the Arab League have rejected the idea, calling it a violation of Palestinian sovereignty.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit dismissed Trump’s proposal as:
“Nothing more than mere fantasies or illusions.”
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong statement categorically rejecting the idea of using its land for a Palestinian state, following Netanyahu’s previous remarks suggesting such a possibility.
Israeli Withdrawal from Netzarim Corridor
On the ground in Gaza, Israeli troops withdrew from the Netzarim Corridor, a critical zone cutting through the narrow strip. This move allowed Palestinians to move freely for the first time in months.
- Hamas-run Gaza’s Interior Ministry confirmed that Israeli forces dismantled their positions.
- Eyewitnesses saw vehicles traveling freely along the Salaheddin Road for the first time since the war began.
One resident, Mahmoud al-Sarhi, described the devastation:
“The entire area is in ruins. I cannot live here.”
Ceasefire and Hostage-Prisoner Exchange
Under the current ceasefire, Israel and Hamas completed their fifth exchange of hostages and prisoners:
- 3 Israeli hostages were released.
- 183 Palestinian prisoners were freed.
- A hostage named Alon Ohel was confirmed alive after 492 days of uncertainty.
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces reportedly shot and killed three civilians in Gaza City on Sunday, further escalating tensions.
Regional Diplomacy and Upcoming Summit
In response to escalating tensions, Egypt will host an Arab summit on February 27 to address the “latest serious developments” in Palestine. Meanwhile:
- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty is heading to Washington for diplomatic talks.
- Jordan’s King Abdullah II is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on February 11.
With global leaders engaged in diplomatic negotiations, the fate of Trump’s controversial Gaza plan remains uncertain.
