Trump, Netanyahu eye Gaza ceasefire, aim to bring more Arab nations into Abraham Accords

In a recent phone call, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump reportedly reached an understanding aimed at ending the war in Gaza and push for normalisation of relations between Israel and Arab states.

According to Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, the two leaders agreed on a framework that includes a complete halt to hostilities in Gaza within the next two weeks. The conversation, described as “dramatic,” also included US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, and is being viewed as part of a broader strategic initiative.

Citing a senior Israeli official, public broadcaster Kan reported that the proposed plan seeks to not only end the Gaza war and secure the release of all hostages but also bring Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial to a close and launch a regional diplomatic shift.

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Under the alleged proposal, a coalition of Arab nations, reportedly including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and two other unnamed states, would jointly govern Gaza, replacing Hamas. The plan also involves exiling Hamas leaders and releasing all remaining captives.

However, this proposal faces several hurdles. Several Arab states have signaled they will not support Gaza’s reconstruction unless the Palestinian Authority is granted a central role, potentially setting the stage for a future two-state solution.

Netanyahu, however, has consistently opposed any involvement by the Palestinian Authority.

Hamas has also repeatedly rejected the notion of exile for its leadership.

The report further claims that arrangements may be made to facilitate voluntary emigration of Gazans to unnamed countries. Additionally, it suggests that Saudi Arabia and Syria would normalise diplomatic ties with Israel, encouraging other Arab and Muslim nations to follow suit.

In exchange, Israel would offer conditional support for a future two-state solution, contingent on reforms within the Palestinian Authority. Meanwhile, the United States would consider formally recogniding Israeli sovereignty over parts of the occupied West Bank.

The developments come amid tensions over Israel’s recent military actions, which drew sharp criticism from Trump following what was reported as an Iranian ceasefire violation on Tuesday. Trump also reportedly demanded an end to Netanyahu’s legal proceedings.