Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled on Sunday that he will continue with US President Donald Trump’s proposal to transfer the Palestinian population out of Gaza and rebuild it under the control of the United States. Netanyahu said the proposal is “the only viable plan to allow a different future” for Gaza.
Netanyahu said that all Gaza’s emigration should be “voluntary”, but human rights groups argue that the plan is equivalent to coercion, given the vast destruction of the territory. Netanyahu also stated that he and Trump have a “common strategy” for Gaza. Repeating Trump, he said that “the gates of hell will open” if Hamas did not release dozens of hostages remaining hijacks in the attack of the militant group south of Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the 16 -month war.
Netanyahu discussed the proposal with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who in turn endorsed Israel’s position to “eradicate” Hamas. Rubio will probably face more resistance from Arab leaders about Trump’s proposal, which includes Gaza’s development under the control of the United States. After visiting Israel, Rubio will travel to Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Source: Associated Press
