Trump 'likely' to address Knesset as Israel, Hamas agree to 'first phase' of his Gaza peace plan

Hours after confirming that Israel and Hamas have "signed off" on the first phase of the Gaza peace plan, US President Donald Trump said that he is “likely to go to Israel in the coming days”. Trump told Axios that he will visit the Jewish nation to address the country’s parliament, the Knesset, in the wake of the Gaza peace deal.

“It’s a great day for Israel and for the world,” Trump said in a brief telephonic interview with Axios. It is pertinent to note that ending the war in Gaza was one of Trump’s key campaign promises, and the agreement announced on Wednesday is touted as the biggest diplomatic achievement of his second term.

Trump told the American news outlet that he’d just had a “great” call with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “He is so happy. He should be. It is a great achievement. The whole world has come together to reach this deal, including countries that were enemies,” Trump said.

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Trump might depart after a physical exam

Meanwhile, Netanyahu said after the call that he’d invited Trump to address the Knesset. “I will definitely do that if they want me to,” Trump told Axios. Earlier on Wednesday, the White House said that Trump could depart for the region some time after a physical exam on Friday.

The first phase of the deal agreed by both sides entails that the remaining Israeli hostages — 20 of whom are believed to be alive — will be released between now and Monday. Interestingly. Trump’s visit would coincide with that long-awaited moment in Israel.

The deal also calls on Israeli troops in Gaza to conduct a partial withdrawal, and for Israel to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. One of the thorny issues between both sides is the process for disarming Hamas and the future governing structure of Gaza. Both these clauses need to be finalised.

Netanyahu faces a test in the parliament

After Trump’s announcement, Netanyahu said that he will convene the country’s government on Thursday to ratify the agreement with Hamas and return the hostages from Gaza. He called this “a great day for Israel” and said the country could continue to achieve its goals and expand peace with its neighbours.

It is pertinent to note that according to Israeli law, any decision to release Palestinian prisoners as part of a hostage deal must first be approved by the government. If the cabinet votes in favour of the deal, there is then a short window for petitions to be filed before Israel’s High Court of Justice to challenge the releases.

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The Israeli government can only proceed with the releases after these hurdles are clear. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s office revealed that the Israeli prime minister just held a “very warm and emotional” conversation with Trump.

As per the statement, the Israeli premier thanked Trump for his efforts and invited him to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. Trump, on the other hand, congratulated Netanyahu for his leadership and actions, according to the prime minister’s office.