US President Donald Trump reportedly scolded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the latter’s skepticism of Hamas’s partial acceptance of the 20-point Gaza peace plan. The tense exchange came as Hamas signaled its willingness to release hostages under Trump’s 20-point peace plan, raising cautious hopes for an end to the Gaza war.
Trump urged Netanyahu to see the developments as a win, saying, "I don't know why you're always so negative. This is a win. Take it," according to Axios, which cited two American officials familiar with the call.
"Bibi told Trump this is nothing to celebrate, and that it doesn't mean anything," one official with knowledge of the call told Axios.
"I don't know why you're always so negative. This is a win. Take it," Trump reportedly replied as he dialled Netanyahu to give the "good news".
Last Monday, Trump presented a 20-point plan aimed at releasing the remaining hostages held in Gaza and ending Israel’s military campaign against Hamas. At least 20 hostages are believed to be alive in Gaza, while about 25 others are dead.
Hours after Trump warned on social media that an agreement must be reached within days or Hamas would face "all HELL," the group on Friday announced it was ready to release all hostages under the terms of the plan.
Also read: Gaza peace plan: Trump pushes Hamas and Israel to act fast, but key issues linger — What is the deadlock over?
Trump’s proposal calls for the hostages to be exchanged for 250 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel and 1,700 Gaza residents detained during the war. Trump welcomed Hamas’ response, saying the group was "ready for a lasting PEACE" in a post on social media.
Hamas political officials based in Qatar said the group would accept the framework of the deal provided "appropriate field conditions" were met and agreed to release all remaining hostages, both living and dead.
Trump welcomed Hamas’ statement, and Israel said it supported the US effort. Under the plan, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages, about 20 believed to be alive, within three days. The group would also give up power and disarm.
While welcomed by Trump and other world leaders, Hamas’ response does not resolve key questions about ending the war. It remains uncertain whether Hamas would agree to disarm. The group has not said whether it accepts having no future role in Gaza’s administration, only stating that it would transfer governance "to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats."
Also read: Trump warns Hamas of 'complete obliteration'; asserts Netanyahu on board
A new round of negotiations between Israel and Hamas was expected to start in Egypt on Monday. Israel and Hamas do not speak directly, relying on Qatari and Egyptian mediators to relay messages.
Trump on Sunday also urged Hamas and Israeli negotiators to "move fast" as they are set to meet in Egypt for talks aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. "There have been very positive discussions with Hamas, and Countries from all over the World (Arab, Muslim, and everyone else) this weekend, to release the Hostages, end the War in Gaza but, more importantly, finally have long sought PEACE in the Middle East," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"These talks have been very successful, and proceeding rapidly. The technical teams will again meet Monday, in Egypt, to work through and clarify the final details. I am told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to MOVE FAST," he added.
Tuesday marks two years since the Hamas attack that triggered the war.
Trump urged Netanyahu to see the developments as a win, saying, "I don't know why you're always so negative. This is a win. Take it," according to Axios, which cited two American officials familiar with the call.
"Bibi told Trump this is nothing to celebrate, and that it doesn't mean anything," one official with knowledge of the call told Axios.
"I don't know why you're always so negative. This is a win. Take it," Trump reportedly replied as he dialled Netanyahu to give the "good news".
Last Monday, Trump presented a 20-point plan aimed at releasing the remaining hostages held in Gaza and ending Israel’s military campaign against Hamas. At least 20 hostages are believed to be alive in Gaza, while about 25 others are dead.
Hours after Trump warned on social media that an agreement must be reached within days or Hamas would face "all HELL," the group on Friday announced it was ready to release all hostages under the terms of the plan.
Also read: Gaza peace plan: Trump pushes Hamas and Israel to act fast, but key issues linger — What is the deadlock over?
Trump’s proposal calls for the hostages to be exchanged for 250 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel and 1,700 Gaza residents detained during the war. Trump welcomed Hamas’ response, saying the group was "ready for a lasting PEACE" in a post on social media.
Hamas political officials based in Qatar said the group would accept the framework of the deal provided "appropriate field conditions" were met and agreed to release all remaining hostages, both living and dead.
Trump welcomed Hamas’ statement, and Israel said it supported the US effort. Under the plan, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages, about 20 believed to be alive, within three days. The group would also give up power and disarm.
While welcomed by Trump and other world leaders, Hamas’ response does not resolve key questions about ending the war. It remains uncertain whether Hamas would agree to disarm. The group has not said whether it accepts having no future role in Gaza’s administration, only stating that it would transfer governance "to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats."
Also read: Trump warns Hamas of 'complete obliteration'; asserts Netanyahu on board
A new round of negotiations between Israel and Hamas was expected to start in Egypt on Monday. Israel and Hamas do not speak directly, relying on Qatari and Egyptian mediators to relay messages.
Trump on Sunday also urged Hamas and Israeli negotiators to "move fast" as they are set to meet in Egypt for talks aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. "There have been very positive discussions with Hamas, and Countries from all over the World (Arab, Muslim, and everyone else) this weekend, to release the Hostages, end the War in Gaza but, more importantly, finally have long sought PEACE in the Middle East," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"These talks have been very successful, and proceeding rapidly. The technical teams will again meet Monday, in Egypt, to work through and clarify the final details. I am told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to MOVE FAST," he added.
Tuesday marks two years since the Hamas attack that triggered the war.
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