Israel and Hamas began indirect negotiations through Arab mediators in Egypt Monday on a Gaza peace plan, raising the possibility of a potential end to the brutal war on the eve of its two-year anniversary.
Hamas said it agrees to parts of a 20-point US peace plan, including the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, but has not acknowledged other demands, including full disarmament and its permanent exclusion from governing the enclave.
Though US President Donald Trump ordered Israel to halt its attacks, it continued to pound Gaza Monday. Trump has also threatened “complete obliteration” of Hamas if it insists on staying in power.
Even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks to take credit for the emerging deal, it has become clear that Trump was “the one calling the shots,” The New York Times wrote. On Sunday night, the president exhorted negotiators to “MOVE FAST,” adding that he expected the first phase of the deal to unfold this week.