Washington: US President Donald Trump announced a 20-point plan aimed at ending Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip and securing the release of hostages held there. During a press conference at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump presented the plan as a comprehensive solution to transform Gaza into a "deradicalized terror-free zone" while ensuring its redevelopment for the benefit of its residents.
According to Anadolu Agency, the plan stipulates that the conflict will cease if both parties agree to the proposal, with Israeli forces retreating to predetermined positions. A key element of the plan requires that all hostages, both living and deceased, be returned within 72 hours of Israel's acceptance. Following the release of hostages, Israel is expected to free 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023. Hamas members who pledge to disarm and peacefully coexist will be granted amnesty under the proposal.
Egypt and Qatar have reportedly delivered the ceasefire proposal to Hamas. Egyptian media outlet Al-Qahera News indicated that Egyptian and Qatari mediators conveyed the American plan to the Palestinian group, with Hamas reportedly considering the proposal positively.
In another development, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu issued an apology to Qatar for a recent attack on Doha, authorized during operations targeting Hamas. The apology was communicated during a phone call with Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, with President Trump also participating in the discussion. The White House noted Netanyahu's regret over the incident, which resulted in the death of a Qatari serviceman, and his commitment to respecting Qatari sovereignty in future operations.
Meanwhile, Germany, France, and Poland have called on Russia to halt what they describe as "hostile acts" against NATO allies, citing airspace violations as potential triggers for escalation. The foreign ministers of these countries, representing the Weimar Triangle, emphasized their unity and determination to defend European security against Russia's actions.