Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed advancing Donald Trump’s strategy to evacuate Palestinians from Gaza, coinciding with Israel’s acquisition of a previously blocked consignment of heavy bombs.
President Trump’s initiative to relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza and develop the area under US administration has drawn criticism from Palestinians, human rights organizations, regional nations, and US allies. However, Mr. Netanyahu stated on Sunday that it represents “the only viable plan to pave the way for a different future.”
The Israeli prime minister dismissed accusations of ethnic cleansing.
Donald Trump speaks to reporters upon arrival in West Palm Beach, Florida. Pic: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque
The issue of land ownership has remained one of the most contentious in the region since the UN General Assembly’s 1947 decision to partition Palestine into Arab and Jewish states, which faced considerable opposition.
Mr. Netanyahu stated that any migration from Gaza should be “voluntary”; however, rights advocates and critics warned that the plan could be seen as coercive considering that Israel has heavily impacted the area.
The Israeli PM remarked that he and Mr. Trump share a “common strategy” for Gaza, asserting that the US president’s proposal is “spot on.”
During a press conference in Florida, Mr. Trump declared, “I told Bibi [Benjamin Netanyahu] you do whatever you want.”
He continued, “[It] will be up to Israel what the next step is, in consultation with me.”
Palestinians sit among the rubble of buildings destroyed by Israel as politicians try to decide the fate of the enclave. Pic: Reuters/Hatem Khaled
These remarks heighten concerns regarding the precarious Gaza ceasefire, which faced risks last week.
Hamas initially indicated it would not release hostages set to return to Israel due to concerns over the supply of essential aid – but subsequently revised its position.
‘Peace through strength’ – with heavy bombs
This development coincides with Israel receiving a shipment of heavy MK-84 bombs from the US, a shipment that was previously blocked by Joe Biden and approved by Mr. Trump.
Mr. Trump explained that he lifted the blockade because he believes in “peace through strength.”
The MK-84 is an unguided 907kg bomb capable of penetrating thick concrete and metal, generating a significant blast radius.
An aviation ordnance worker moves the heavy bombs. File pic: Reuters/Jim Hampshire/US Navy photo
The Biden administration had withheld approval for the export of these weapons due to concerns regarding their potential impact in the densely populated Gaza Strip.
On Sunday, Mr. Trump stated: “They contracted for the weapons a long time ago with the Biden administration, and then Biden refused to deliver the weapons. But I view it differently. I advocate for peace through strength.”
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A Palestinian man pushes a child in a wheelchair past destroyed buildings. Pic: Reuters/Hatem Khaled
Phase two of ceasefire deal
Israel’s security cabinet is scheduled to convene on Monday to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire agreement that halted approximately 16 months of conflict initiated by the October 7, 2023 attack.
More than 48,000 Palestinians have reportedly perished, as stated by the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its figures.
At least 1,200 individuals lost their lives, and over 250 were taken hostage during the Hamas attacks in Israel.
A ceasefire reached last month successfully paused hostilities, but the initial phase will conclude in two weeks.
Discussions concerning the second phase were expected to commence two weeks ago.
If negotiations succeed, it will result in the continued release of hostages in exchange for more Palestinian inmates, as well as a sustainable truce and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Mr. Trump’s special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, informed Fox News that “phase two is absolutely going to begin” and that he had “very productive” discussions on Sunday with Mr. Netanyahu and officials from Egypt and Qatar, who act as mediators, regarding the continuation of talks this week.
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‘Trump is greatest friend Israel has ever had’
Three Palestinians killed
In the meantime, the Hamas-run Gaza interior ministry accused Israel of the deaths of three Palestinian police officers in Rafah over the weekend.
It claimed the officers, who were assigned to facilitate the entry of aid trucks, were victims of a clear violation of the ceasefire.
Israel’s military responded by stating it targeted several armed individuals approaching its forces.
