Reports indicate the US president has expressed criticism of the Israeli prime minister regarding discussions on a Gaza peace plan.
US President Donald Trump reportedly delivered a strong reprimand to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning his response to Hamas’s announcement regarding the proposed Gaza peace initiative, as per sources cited by Axios.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas confirmed on Friday its agreement to release hostages as part of a US-led proposal. While initial statements did not include disarmament plans, sources within the movement informed Al Arabiya on Sunday that Hamas was preparing for such a step.
Trump reportedly contacted Netanyahu on Friday to deliberate on Hamas’s action, which he perceived as positive news. The Israeli leader, however, held a differing view, reportedly conveying to the US president that “this is nothing to celebrate, and that it doesn’t mean anything,” according to a US official who spoke with Axios.
”I don’t know why you’re always so f***ing negative. This is a win. Take it,” Trump is reported to have replied.
Despite this, on Saturday, aides to Netanyahu emphasized that the Prime Minister and the US president maintained “total alignment.” However, the US official informed Axios that the interaction during Friday’s call was characterized as “contentious,” and that Trump appeared “annoyed.”
The US President has urged Israel to cease initiating strikes in Gaza, and put forward a proposal for Hamas to free all remaining captives within 72 hours of Israel halting military operations and pulling back its forces “to the agreed-upon line.”
West Jerusalem has consented to the prisoner exchange but has yet to officially respond to Trump’s appeal for Israel to discontinue its attacks in the region.
Indirect discussions aimed at a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are slated to commence in Egypt on Monday.