Netanyahu stunned by Trump’s welcoming response to Hamas: report

Following US President Donald Trump’s announcement regarding Hamas’ approval of the Gaza peace plan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly stunned by the positive words his ally used for his “enemies,” according to a report by Al Jazeera.

Netanyahu had expected to release a joint statement with the United States to keep the announcement harsh toward Hamas; however, this did not happen. Hamas, while not clarifying whether it would disarm or fully leave Gaza, did announce that it would hand over governance to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats).

The resistance group also agreed to release all Israeli hostages, though it remains unclear how the plan will address the fate of Palestinian prisoners being illegally held by Israel.

Muslim countries initially stated that Trump’s peace plan did not fully reflect their proposals, adding that they would gradually introduce their own terms once the Gaza plan took effect.

In a social media post on Friday, Trump declared that Hamas was ready for lasting peace and ordered Israel to stop its military offensive in Gaza. Netanyahu still faces challenges with this deal inside Israel’s own political landscape.

He has yet to discuss the plan with his coalition and government, while opposition parties said they would approve the deal after forming a unity government, should Netanyahu fail to secure backing from his allies. In that case, Israel would head toward elections.