Recently, Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, expressing gratitude towards President Trump and his Middle East envoy for facilitating a cease-fire deal in Gaza and securing the release of some hostages. Many attendees hoped that Trump would persuade Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate an end to the conflict with Hamas during their meeting in Washington.
However, the following day, Trump proposed a controversial plan to relocate the population of approximately two million Gazans to develop a luxurious American-owned resort in the region. This idea has been met with widespread rejection from the Arab world and is seen as a violation of international law, diverting attention from the ongoing cease-fire agreement, which is set to conclude in early March.
While Trump detailed his vision for Gaza, he applied minimal pressure on Netanyahu to engage in discussions mediated by Qatar and Egypt aimed at establishing a permanent cease-fire. As a result, Israel retains considerable flexibility regarding its future actions in Gaza.
The anticipated negotiations, scheduled to begin this week, are now uncertain. Netanyahu's endorsement of Trump's proposal aligns with the far-right elements of his government advocating for the mass migration of Palestinians from Gaza, raising concerns about the fate of hostages still held by Hamas and the potential resumption of conflict.
Idit Ohel, a mother of a hostage, expressed her gratitude towards Trump but questioned the implications of his statements for her son's safe return. Netanyahu, in a subsequent interview, praised Trump's proposal as "remarkable" and suggested it should be pursued, overshadowing discussions about advancing cease-fire negotiations.
On Thursday, Israel's Defense Minister announced plans for the military to assist any Gazan residents wishing to leave. The initial phase of the cease-fire, effective since January 19, allowed for the release of 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel, with approximately 79 hostages still unaccounted for.
Discussions regarding the second phase of the cease-fire, aimed at securing the release of remaining hostages and establishing a lasting peace, are complicated by conflicting demands from both Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to continue military actions until Hamas is dismantled, while Hamas insists on maintaining its control.
As of Thursday, no Israeli delegation had traveled to Doha for negotiations. Trump, expressing uncertainty about the cease-fire's sustainability, indicated a desire to move to a second phase while emphasizing the importance of hostage release to prevent increased violence.
Analysts in the region are evaluating the implications of Trump's proposals for Gaza. Some suggest that his ideas could pressure Hamas to release more hostages, while others warn that such suggestions may destabilize negotiations and the broader Arab landscape.
Despite skepticism regarding the feasibility of Trump's vision, Netanyahu appears unaffected by external pressures, with his coalition remaining stable for now. An Israeli official noted that coalition partners recognize the potential risks of destabilizing the government during Trump's presidency.
Relatives of hostages continue to express urgency regarding their loved ones' situations. Alon Nimrodi, whose son is among those awaiting release, stated that discussions about Gaza's future should be postponed until hostages are safely returned.