Monday Is a Pivotal Day for Hostages in Gaza
In this photo from April 7, President Trump, left, speaks as Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waves upon leaving the White House. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)
Monday could prove decisive for Gaza and the fate of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. President Trump is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to present a sweeping 21-point peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict, according to the Washington Post.
The plan, still being finalized, reportedly calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages within 48 hours, the disarmament of Hamas, and amnesty for militants who surrender.
As NPR notes, Trump stands as Netanyahu’s most significant ally on the world stage and is pushing forcefully for this U.S.-brokered solution. “It will be difficult for Netanyahu to tell Trump, ‘No,’” said NPR’s Daniel Estrin. Axios also reports that Trump seems prepared to challenge Netanyahu directly on Gaza and press him toward peace. The outlet added that Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has been playing a behind-the-scenes role in negotiations.
Trump himself is sounding optimistic. “We’re doing very well,” he told NBC News. “It looks like there is a really good chance for peace in the Middle East. Everybody is on board. Everybody.”
Currently, at least 48 hostages remain in Gaza, though estimates suggest only about 20 are still alive.
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