Donald Trump has told Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to handle the next stage of the Gaza ceasefire deal as he sees fit. Trump, speaking after attending the Daytona 500, made it clear that he has handed over the reins to Israel’s leader for the next move.
“I told Bibi, you do whatever you want,” Trump stated. His latest position signals that Israel has full control of the situation moving forward.
Trump brokers ceasefire, demands hostage release
Earlier, Trump brokered a ceasefire deal in mid-January. The deal hinged on Hamas releasing all hostages they had taken. But when it seemed Hamas might not fulfill its end, Trump fired back. “All hell is going to break out,” he warned. His bold statement came after Hamas claimed they wouldn’t release the people they had promised.
That threat worked. Hamas eventually delivered on their side of the deal. Trump confirmed they returned everyone, including an American hostage.
Trump stays involved, leaves next steps to Netanyahu
As phase two of the ceasefire deal looms, Trump made it clear that Netanyahu would now take charge. “That’ll be up to Israel what the next step is,” he said. However, Trump added that he would continue to consult with Netanyahu throughout the process.
Hostages freed, but some were in bad shape
Trump also gave an update on the hostages freed by Hamas. He reported that the most recent group is in “pretty good shape.” This was a positive shift, as the previous hostages had appeared severely mistreated.
“They looked like Holocaust survivors,” Trump said, condemning the treatment of those freed in earlier rounds.
Netanyahu and Rubio stand firm against Hamas
Prime Minister Netanyahu, alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, issued a joint statement about their strategy in Gaza. They reaffirmed their commitment to putting pressure on Hamas.
“If all our hostages are not released until the last one, we will open the gates of hell,” the statement declared. Netanyahu and Rubio pledged to eliminate Hamas’ military and political power in Gaza, ensuring that it would never again threaten Israel.
No future for Hamas in Gaza
Hamas has remained in control of Gaza during the first phase of the ceasefire. The group continues to demand power throughout the negotiations. However, both Trump and Netanyahu are adamant that Hamas must lose its hold over Gaza for peace to be achieved.
“Peace through strength,” Trump emphasized. “That’s how we get peace.”
Trump’s plan: Evacuate Palestinians, transform Gaza
Netanyahu is on board with Trump’s bold vision for Gaza’s future. Trump has proposed evacuating two million Palestinians and relocating them to countries like Jordan or Egypt. His ultimate goal is to transform Gaza into a prosperous area, likening it to a “Riviera of the Middle East.”
“It’s the only plan I think can work,” Netanyahu said, supporting the controversial idea.
While Netanyahu backs Trump’s vision, critics have slammed the proposal, calling it “ethnic cleansing.” Both Egypt and Jordan have rejected the idea, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for Gaza and the Palestinians.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on Netanyahu and Trump, who have set the stage for the next chapter in the ongoing conflict.
