Trump, Netanyahu Push Gaza Peace Deal

News Desk

Islamabad: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza within two weeks.

According to a report by Israel Hayom, the plan includes replacing Hamas with Arab-led governance in Gaza and expanding the Abraham Accords to normalize ties between Israel and additional Arab and Muslim-majority nations.

Citing an informed source, the newspaper claims the two leaders—joined by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer—held a “euphoric” late-night call on Monday, during which they outlined a broad post-conflict realignment for the region.

Under the proposed framework, control of Gaza would shift to a coalition of four Arab nations, including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Hamas leaders would be exiled, and all remaining Israeli hostages released. The plan also envisions diplomatic breakthroughs with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Syria.

This initiative follows a recent US retaliatory strike on Iran, which both Trump and Netanyahu hailed as a “victory” that has created a rare opportunity for sweeping peace efforts in the Middle East.

In a video message released after the report, Netanyahu stated: “We fought bravely against Iran and achieved a significant victory. This creates a real opportunity to expand our peace agreements. We must act swiftly—every day counts.”

Despite the optimism, the plan faces major hurdles. Arab states have repeatedly insisted they will not participate in Gaza’s reconstruction unless the Palestinian Authority plays a central role—something Netanyahu has firmly opposed. Meanwhile, Hamas has rejected calls for its leadership to go into exile, and the logistical details of such a transfer remain unclear.

To win broader support, Israel is reportedly considering a symbolic gesture: a conditional endorsement of a future two-state solution, contingent on reforms within the Palestinian Authority. In exchange, the U.S. may formally recognize Israeli sovereignty over parts of the occupied West Bank—a move likely to inflame regional tensions.

The proposal also includes controversial provisions for voluntary emigration of Gazans to unnamed third countries, a concept previously criticized by human rights organizations as a form of forced displacement.

The deal comes amid a shaky ceasefire, which Iran is accused of violating earlier this week. In response, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to vent frustration over Israel’s military response and unusually, criticized Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial—marking a rare public rebuke from the U.S. President.