Talks on phase 2 of Gaza truce ongoing: US Middle East envoy
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, says discussions on transitioning to phase two of Gaza’s ceasefire are under way with mediators and Israel.
In an interview with the US TV channel Fox News, Witkoff said he had “very productive and constructive” calls with Netanyahu, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Egypt’s director of intelligence.
They spoke about “the sequencing of phase two, setting forth positions on both sides, so we can understand … where we are today, and then continuing talks this week at a location to be determined, so that we can figure out how we get to the end of phase two successfully”, he added.
Didn't talk to any Palestinians of course.
Israel PM says ‘will finish the job’ against Iran with US support
Prime Minister Netanyahu says Israel will “finish the job” against Iran with United States support.
The Israeli leader made the comments during a news conference with visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in West Jerusalem.
“Over the last 16 months, Israel has dealt a mighty blow to Iran’s terror axis. Under the strong leadership of President Trump and with your unflinching support, I have no doubt that we can and will finish the job.” Netanyahu said.
“Israel and America stand shoulder to shoulder in countering the threat of Iran.”
Don't forget the boogeyman Iran! More deflection.
‘Gates of hell’ will open if all captives not released: Netanyahu
Israel is working in “full” cooperation with the United States when it comes to its policy towards Gaza, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“We have a common strategy and we can’t always share the details of this strategy with the public, including when the gates of hell would be opened, as they surely will if all our hostages are not released, until the last one of them.”
Netanyahu echoed US President Donald Trump, who said last week that “the gates of hell would be open” if Hamas does not release dozens of remaining captives abducted in its October 7, 2023 attack that preceded the war.
Netanyahu also called Trump’s proposal to ethnically cleanse Gaza a “bold vision” for the Gaza Strip and its future, adding he discussed with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio how to “ensure that future becomes a reality”.
In controversial remarks, Trump proposed forcing the transfer of Palestinians from Gaza into Jordan and Egypt and then rebuilding the enclave into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.
Trump: Israel ‘consulting with me’ to decide next steps in Gaza ceasefire
Asked by a reporter about the latest on the Gaza ceasefire, US President Donald Trump said that “it will be up to Israel what the next step will be, in consultation with me”.
Trump, while speaking to reporters in Daytona, Florida, was also asked about sending more big bombs to Israel despite the truce being under way and Gaza largely destroyed.
“Peace through strength. You understand that, right? You know, they contracted for those weapons a long time ago in the Biden administration, and then Biden wouldn’t deliver the weapons. But I look at it differently. I say peace through strength,” said Trump.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to Israel fully endorsed the country’s war aims in the Gaza Strip, saying that Hamas “must be eradicated”.
Essay Pro