Palestinians displaced from Gaza to neighboring countries under a “U.S. proposal” would not have the right to return to the enclave, US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox News about his proposal to “own” the Gaza Strip and develop real estate there.
“Think of it as a real estate development for the future. It would be a beautiful piece of land,” Trump said of the proposal, which he first floated last week during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.
Hamas said it would delay the release of three Israeli hostages scheduled for Saturday “until further notice.” Hamas military spokesman Abu Obeidah indicated that the enemy’s violations of the ceasefire and failure to fulfill its obligations under the agreement are behind Hamas decision.
Though the number of trucks carrying humanitarian aid and fuel has surged since the ceasefire went into effect last month, aid groups have said that some key aid has not been allowed entry to Gaza. Last week, the United Nations pointed to goods related to agriculture, telecommunications, reconstruction and education that remained restricted by Israeli occupation authorities.
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called the delay “a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the hostage release deal.” Katz said he has instructed Israel’s military to “prepare at the highest level of readiness for any possible scenario in Gaza and to defend the communities.”
An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a consultation with senior defense officials after the Hamas statement and would move Tuesday’s security cabinet meeting to the morning.
In a statement, a group representing the families of hostages taken to Gaza in the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, said it has “urgently requested” help from mediating countries to restore and implement the existing deal.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
