Netanyahu warns ‘ceasefire will be terminated’ if Hamas doesn’t free hostages – ABC News
Introduction
Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatens to resume intense fighting in Gaza. Meanwhile, Egypt and Jordan have strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s controversial plan for the region. This article provides the latest updates on the crisis, including international reactions and the humanitarian impact on Palestinians.
Netanyahu’s Ultimatum: Gaza War Could Resume
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will resume “intense fighting” in Gaza if Hamas fails to release captives by noon on Saturday. This ultimatum comes amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing negotiations. Netanyahu’s threat has raised concerns about a potential escalation in violence, which could further destabilize the region.
Trump’s Gaza Plan Sparks Outrage
US President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial plan for Gaza, urging Jordan’s King Abdullah to allocate land for forcibly displaced Palestinians. Trump’s statements have been met with widespread criticism, particularly from Egypt and Jordan, who view the plan as unrealistic and inflammatory.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also rejected Trump’s approach, calling it a “real estate operation” rather than a political solution. Macron emphasized the need to respect Palestinians and their rights, stating, “You cannot say to 2 million people, ‘Okay, now guess what? You will move.’”
Egypt and Jordan Push Back Against Trump
Egypt and Jordan have emerged as vocal critics of Trump’s plan. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has reportedly postponed a trip to Washington in response to Trump’s demands. Jordan, a key US ally in the region, has also expressed strong opposition, citing domestic and regional concerns.
Dan Cohen, a journalist and filmmaker, described Trump’s approach as “like a bull in a china shop,” warning that it could alienate Israel’s allies and further destabilize the region.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and the West Bank
The ongoing conflict has had devastating humanitarian consequences. In Gaza, Palestinians recently held a burial ceremony for loved ones whose bodies had been buried in farmland during the war. The emotional ceremony highlighted the toll of the conflict on civilians.
In the occupied West Bank, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported that 40,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced since January. Israeli forces have conducted massive raids, demolishing homes and arresting individuals, further exacerbating the crisis.
International Reactions and Analysis
The international community remains divided over the situation. While some in Israel support Trump’s plan, others warn that it could backfire. Cohen noted that Israeli society, including the left-wing, has increasingly embraced the idea of transferring Palestinians from Gaza—a euphemism for ethnic cleansing.
However, Cohen also highlighted the resilience of Palestinian armed groups, stating that Israel’s inability to defeat them led to the ceasefire in the first place. He warned that resuming military operations could have dire consequences for Israel.
Key Takeaways
- Netanyahu threatens to resume Gaza war if captives are not released.
- Trump’s plan for Gaza faces strong opposition from Egypt and Jordan.
- Macron criticizes Trump’s approach, calling for respect for Palestinians.
- 40,000 Palestinians forcibly displaced in the West Bank, per UNRWA.
- Humanitarian crisis deepens as Gaza mourns war victims.
Call-to-Action
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