Trump says relationship is good even as Netanyahu rejects Gaza peace plan

Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's explicit rejection of a US-led 15-point peace plan for Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that their relationship remains "very good." Netanyahu formally refused to endorse the plan, which proposed Israel withdrawing forces in exchange for Hamas disarmament, after days of escalating criticism. This rejection aligns with pressure from Netanyahu's right-wing base and cabinet members. The plan, announced by Trump late last month, outlined a phased approach for armed groups in Gaza to surrender weapons to a new Palestinian governing body, with Israel beginning troop withdrawals to end the conflict. Netanyahu had previously acknowledged receiving a draft but disagreed with it, making Sunday his first formal assertion of refusal.

President Trump has demanded that Iran pay compensation for the deaths of thousands of US soldiers and Iranian civilians over recent decades. This demand, made via Truth Social, is seen as a sign that negotiations to end conflicts and reopen the Strait of Hormuz have stalled. Trump stated this is in response to Iranian negotiators making similar claims for damages from the recent five-month war. The demands are likely to provoke anger in Tehran and are considered a nonstarter by Iranian leaders. This comes as Israel has rejected Trump's 15-point roadmap to end the war in Gaza, with Prime Minister Netanyahu stating Israel prioritizes its security. Trump also expanded his demands to include compensation for damages and deaths caused in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected a US-backed deal for Gaza, a move that reportedly blindsided IDF commanders who had been discussing its implementation. This decision appears to be a gamble to appease his far-right domestic allies, who advocate for intensified attacks and settlements in Gaza, ahead of upcoming elections. The US-backed plan, brokered by Donald Trump's Board of Peace, included Hamas committing to disarm and a potential pilot military withdrawal by Israel. Netanyahu's rejection defies US pressure to end conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, risking alienation of Trump, a crucial ally. While the US administration initially seemed to view the rejection as electioneering, Netanyahu's conflicting domestic and international demands create evident strains.

Israel has initiated infrastructure work in a designated area of eastern Rafah, southern Gaza, referred to as "Green Rafah." This project, reportedly backed by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz, aims to establish temporary housing and is described by the Prime Minister's Office as an Emirati-backed pilot project intended to be free of Hamas influence. The Israeli military will oversee infrastructure installation, with Palestinian laborers facing security screenings. Experts warn that this plan, along with other Israeli actions, seeks to fragment the Gaza Strip and create isolated zones under Israeli control, potentially leading to mass displacement or submission. This development occurs as political negotiations over Gaza's future stall, and Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected a US-led peace plan for Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected United States President Donald Trump's 15-point plan for Gaza, stating that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed." The plan, proposed by the US-led Board of Peace, outlined a phased framework for disarmament and reconstruction, with Hamas surrendering weapons in exchange for an Israeli military withdrawal and a new Palestinian governing body. Netanyahu, facing pressure from his right-wing base ahead of elections, insists on complete disarmament before any pull-back, emphasizing the need for "real disarmament, not fictitious disarmament." This rejection creates significant challenges for mediators working on the plan, while Palestinians in Gaza anticipate increased uncertainty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel rejects a 15-point Gaza proposal from the Board of Peace. He stated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed" of all its weapons. While Israel is discussing Hamas disarmament with the United States, Netanyahu emphasized that any agreement must involve the complete surrender of Hamas's arsenal. Hamas, however, remains committed to a roadmap agreed upon with mediators and expects the US and mediators to pressure Israel to adhere to it. Netanyahu also reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank.

The US-led Board of Peace, represented by director Nickolay Mladenov, has stated that an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza will only occur after Hamas completes its disarmament. This clarification followed a meeting between Mladenov and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in West Jerusalem, amidst tensions surrounding a Gaza disarmament roadmap and recent Israeli attacks. The Board emphasized that the decommissioning of all weapons, including light and heavy arms and tunnels, must be finalized before Israeli forces move beyond the "Yellow Line." Hamas, however, insists the deal will not be implemented unless Israel fulfills its obligations. Mladenov reportedly urged Netanyahu to cease attacks on Gaza, a request Israel has refused, continuing military actions despite a ceasefire agreement.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed concerns to President Donald Trump during a Saturday phone call regarding potential U.S. escalation of conflict with Iran. The discussion occurred as Trump considers new strikes on Iran. Saudi Arabia fears that U.S. attacks on Iranian infrastructure could lead to retaliatory strikes on Gulf energy facilities. The Crown Prince sought clarification on Trump's potential actions. This comes after Saudi Arabia joined the U.S. in striking militia sites in Iraq, while also advocating for negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. The White House confirmed the call but provided no details.

President Trump announced the US would delay new strikes on Iran, provided a deal to end the conflict is quickly reached. This decision followed intervention by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who reportedly urged de-escalation due to concerns about Iranian retaliation against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Iran had threatened decisive retaliation against neighbors if attacked, and reports indicated Iranian drones hit Kuwait and two ships were attacked off Oman. Trump stated the delay is contingent on Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz and ending its nuclear program.

A mass funeral was held in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, for 112 victims, including 40 children, killed in a 2023 Israeli strike. Their remains were recovered more than two years later by Gaza's civil defense from a destroyed residential block in Gaza City. The recovery was delayed due to ongoing Israeli strikes, which have continued despite a ceasefire. The victims were among over 300 killed in the November 22, 2023, attack. Civil defense estimates that 157 people remain missing from that strike, and thousands of remains are believed to be buried under rubble across Gaza.

Palestinians held a mass funeral in Gaza City on Tuesday for 112 bodies recently recovered from the rubble of a 2023 Israeli airstrike. The strike, which occurred on November 22, 2023, flattened a residential block in the Sabra neighborhood, killing over 300 people. While about 40 bodies were recovered shortly after the attack, the majority remained buried. First responders recovered the 112 remains, including 40 children, over the weekend. A fragile ceasefire has allowed for the recovery of bodies from earlier in the war. Approximately 157 bodies are still unaccounted for from this particular strike.

Thousands gathered in Gaza City for a mass funeral of 112 members of the Abu Shreia and al-Hassaina families. Their remains were recently recovered from rubble nearly three years after an Israeli air attack on November 22, 2023, which destroyed their family compound. The attack killed 14 members of Lara Abu Shreia's immediate family, including her mother and eight siblings. Recovery operations by Palestinian Civil Defence teams were difficult due to the scale of destruction and lack of equipment. Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal stated that this was the largest mass funeral in Gaza since the start of the 2023 war. An estimated 8,000 bodies remain beneath destroyed buildings in Gaza.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) urged US President Donald Trump to prioritize dialogue and de-escalation in a phone call, hours before Trump announced he was halting planned strikes against Iran. MBS emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to preserve Gulf security and prevent a wider conflict with regional and international repercussions. Trump's decision to hold off on further attacks came after he had previously threatened Iran with unprecedented force. He stated that the reversal was due to requests from Iran and other Middle Eastern governments, and that the outlines of a deal to end the conflict had been agreed upon. This deal, according to Trump, would involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Iran's nuclear threat.

A Board of Peace official, Nikolay Mladenov, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss a new disarmament deal with Hamas. The agreement, announced by President Donald Trump, aims for the complete decommissioning of weapons in Gaza and a transition to civilian governance. Mladenov also urged Netanyahu to halt Israeli strikes in Gaza, as the Board of Peace pushes for the implementation of the disarmament plan. Israel had previously expressed "serious security concerns" regarding the agreement and had increased strikes in Gaza, resulting in civilian casualties. The article notes that no airstrikes were recorded in Gaza on the day of the meeting.

US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's withdrawal from Gaza is contingent upon Hamas' complete disarmament. This assurance followed objections from Netanyahu, whose security cabinet members had advocated for rejecting the deal. Netanyahu's office had expressed concerns to the United States after Trump previously described an agreement for Hamas to surrender weapons to a Palestinian governing committee as a "major milestone." The Board of Peace's initial text had proposed a phased withdrawal by Israel, prompting the security cabinet's push to abandon the plan.

A deal has been announced for Hamas to disarm in stages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, following nearly three years of conflict. The agreement, confirmed by the US and other mediators, was heralded by President Trump as a historic step towards lasting peace. However, concerns about implementation are widespread due to past failures and deep mistrust between the parties. Hamas insists disarmament is contingent on Israel ending hostilities and withdrawing forces, while some Israeli officials, like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have rejected the draft. Palestinian Islamic Jihad also expressed reservations about the agreement. The technocratic National Committee for the Administration of Gaza welcomed the roadmap.

Donald Trump announced an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas in Gaza, presented as a step towards a new Palestinian government and Israeli security. However, neither Hamas nor Israel immediately confirmed the agreement, and sources close to the talks indicated uncertainty about its viability. An Israeli official stated that the proposed terms were unsatisfactory, as Israel demands complete disarmament and demilitarization as a precondition. Hamas leaders are reportedly discussing the plan with mediators, with a Hamas official indicating a "positive and good" response, though not confirming full disarmament. The proposed roadmap includes transferring authority to a US-backed Palestinian committee and eliminating militant infrastructure, based on reciprocal steps. The article notes that the reality on the ground in Gaza contrasts with this plan, with ongoing Israeli military operations.

Hamas has reportedly reached an agreement to disarm, a significant development that could potentially end the war in Gaza. This agreement is part of a broader road map that requires concessions from Israel, including ending hostilities and withdrawing its troops. The deal, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, outlines a phased approach where disarmament would be followed by an Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of an International Stabilization Force. However, the implementation faces considerable challenges, as disarmament is a core aspect of Hamas's identity and has been a major sticking point in previous negotiations. Israel has not officially commented but has previously expressed skepticism about Hamas's willingness to disarm. The agreement's guarantors include the U.S., Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar.

US President Donald Trump announced a deal for Hamas to disarm in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, claiming Israel is "very happy" with the arrangement. Hamas has confirmed its agreement to the first step of this plan, which involves surrendering weapons to a Palestinian committee. However, Israel has not yet formally agreed to the terms, with some officials expressing strong opposition. The agreement, brokered by mediators, includes the establishment of an International Board of Peace chaired by Trump and a Palestinian committee to oversee Gaza's administration. The process involves Hamas preparing an inventory of weapons, followed by oversight from an International Stabilization Force and a new Palestinian police force, with incremental Israeli withdrawal occurring concurrently. The timeline for these steps remains unclear and contingent on Israeli approval and changes in the security situation on the ground.

A new proposal suggests Hamas disarm in Gaza in exchange for Israel withdrawing from occupied territory. This plan faces significant obstacles due to the ongoing conflict, widespread destruction in Gaza, and deep distrust between the parties. For Palestinians, the situation is catastrophic, with widespread home destruction and high civilian casualties, leading some to believe Israel aims to force their displacement. Israelis, in turn, view Hamas as a persistent threat requiring complete disarmament following the October 7th attack. The plan's success is also contingent on political pressures in both Israel and the US, with upcoming elections influencing leaders' decisions. Hamas, facing internal and external pressures and significant losses, has reportedly agreed to disarm, though Israel has yet to comment.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a deal for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza. Hamas has agreed to the deal, while Israel has yet to comment. The agreement, framed as a roadmap for completing Trump's Comprehensive Peace Plan, outlines a phased process for Israeli withdrawal and the handover of civilian governance and security functions in Gaza to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). Key provisions include the cessation of military operations by both sides, the establishment of an International Verification Committee (IVC) to monitor compliance, and the eventual decommissioning of heavy weapons and militia arms under NCAG authority. A temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) will be deployed to separate Israeli forces and NCAG-controlled areas, monitor the ceasefire, and support the NCAG. The plan aims to restore normal life, enable Palestinian governance, and facilitate a political path toward self-determination and statehood.

The US military conducted "heavy" strikes against Iran on Wednesday in retaliation for attempted Iranian ballistic missile attacks on American forces. Centcom stated these strikes targeted "dozens" of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in response to Iran firing missiles at US bases in Jordan and ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. These actions follow recent US-Saudi strikes on Iranian proxies in Iraq and come after a period of relative calm during which talks for a diplomatic solution were reportedly underway, though Iran denied discussions were happening. All Iranian missiles fired on Tuesday were intercepted.

Saudi Arabia and thirteen other nations have formed the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance to enhance collective maritime defense cooperation and secure vital waterways. Announced on Thursday, the alliance aims to protect freedom of navigation, international trade, and energy supply routes through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. This initiative comes amid escalating hostilities, particularly attacks by Iran-backed Houthi fighters on this strategic corridor. The alliance's activities will include intelligence sharing, operational planning, and joint exercises, with its nature described as purely defensive. The participating states view maritime security as a shared responsibility to confront transnational threats.

Jordan's air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran early Wednesday, with the Jordanian military confirming they were destroyed. This occurred shortly after the U.S. military announced it had downed an Iranian missile barrage targeting American forces in the Middle East, ending a brief lull in hostilities. U.S. Central Command stated that all Iranian missiles aimed at U.S. forces were intercepted. In conjunction with Saudi Arabia, U.S. forces also struck sites in Iraq used by Iran-backed militias for launching attacks. The U.S. warned that further aggression against American troops or Saudi energy infrastructure would prompt additional action.