US President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding the ongoing ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas, stating that the talks are “going along very well”. However, despite this upbeat assessment, recent indirect negotiations in Qatar have not led to significant progress, according to a Palestinian source familiar with the situation.
Following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, a senior Israeli official illustrated that the discussions in Doha remain far from achieving Israel’s objectives. Trump has intensified calls for an agreement, suggesting a potential resolution could occur within the week.
During their dinner, both leaders addressed earlier proposals involving the permanent relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. Trump claimed cooperation from neighboring countries, while Netanyahu emphasized the search for nations willing to offer Palestinians better prospects. The proposals to displace Palestinians have faced sharp backlash from the UN, Arab leaders, and human rights organizations, with suggestions for reconstruction efforts in Gaza being favored instead.
In a concerning development, Israel’s defense minister indicated plans to confine all 2 million Palestinians in Gaza into designated camps after thorough screenings. Critics have condemned this as a “crime against humanity”; meanwhile, Trump’s commitment to accountability regarding the ongoing conflict remains firm. However, Palestinian officials have reported that the latest negotiation attempts have led to no tangible progress, labeling optimistic media reports as misleading.
As tensions persist, the Israeli Defense Forces reported fatalities among their soldiers from an attack in northern Gaza, an escalation that highlights the fragile state of affairs.
Source: www.bbc.com
