Israel prepares to welcome Trump

 

 

P.B. Cherian

Washington, D.C./Jerusalem: US President Trump's peace plans to end the war in Gaza and Israel are moving closer to a practical stage. The deal paves the way for the release of about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners and the repatriation of 48 Israeli prisoners.

A temporary ceasefire went into effect at noon on Friday after the Israeli government ratified the deal. Trump will visit Israel next week. He has been invited to address the Knesset (Israeli parliament).

The release of prisoners is welcome, but the price is high, said Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. He pointed out that the released prisoners are murderers.

Meanwhile, Hamas sees the deal as a "hutna" for a temporary cessation of fighting, not a permanent peace. The Hamas leader said their goal is an independent Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital.

The United States will send 200 troops to monitor the situation. Troops from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are also likely to act as peacekeepers.