US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu are holding a news conference after talks about a Gaza peace plan.
Trump starts the news conference by saying that a peace deal is “beyond very close”
Their joint appearance comes as the White House releases President Trump’s 20-point “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict”
Trump says the plan has received input from “so many countries”, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt. An implementation team will be led by US, Israel and Qatar. Trump will lead the team but other notable politicians will participate.
Also Read: Trump pushes Gaza plan amid Netanyahu doubts
Arab and Muslim countries have committed to “de-militarise Gaza” as part of the plan, Trump says, adding that Netanyahu will have US backing to “do what he has to do” to “destroy” Hamas
Earlier, Netanyahu said nothing has been “finalised yet”, while Hamas says it has not formally been sent the proposal
The proposed plan includes a “board of peace” to oversee its implementation, headed by Trump, who says former British Prime Minister Tony Blair also wants to participate
Earlier at the White House, Netanyahu called Qatar’s leader and apologises for Israel’s strike on Doha earlier this month, BBC’s US partner CBS reports.
Details coming…
