Netanyahu Stunned by Trump’s Welcoming Response to Hamas: Report
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly caught off guard by US President Donald Trump’s unusually welcoming remarks toward Hamas, following the group’s approval of the Gaza peace plan, according to a report.
Netanyahu had anticipated a joint announcement with Washington that would take a harsher stance toward Hamas. Instead, Trump’s statement struck a far more positive tone toward the group, which Israel has long branded as its sworn enemy.
While Hamas stopped short of pledging to disarm or withdraw fully from Gaza, it announced that it would transfer governance to a Palestinian technocratic body composed of independents. The group also agreed to release all Israeli hostages, though questions remain regarding the thousands of Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli jails.
Muslim countries, while welcoming parts of the plan, voiced concern that Trump’s proposal did not fully incorporate their earlier recommendations. Several governments indicated they would put forward gradual modifications to the plan once it comes into effect.
In a social media post on Friday, Trump praised Hamas for showing “readiness for lasting peace” and instructed Israel to halt its military offensive in Gaza. His announcement immediately created political ripples in Israel.
Netanyahu now faces a domestic political challenge as he attempts to secure coalition support for the deal. Opposition parties have indicated they would approve the plan if a unity government is formed, but if Netanyahu fails to gain enough backing, Israel could be forced into another round of elections.
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