Dutch PM backs Trump admin’s Gaza withdrawal proposal

Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof hopes that the plan developed by the United States will bring a swift end to the war in Gaza. “With the important news from Washington, an end to the war in Gaza is hopefully truly in sight,” Schoof said on X.

“A ceasefire, safe access to large-scale humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages are now essential,” the prime minister added. He believes the plan should serve as “a serious step toward the only possible sustainable solution, the two-state solution.” He also stressed that Hamas can have no role in this.

The plan, presented by U.S. President Donald Trump, calls for an immediate halt to the fighting, along with the exchange of 20 living Israeli hostages and more than two dozen believed to be dead, in return for hundreds of detained Palestinians.

On Monday, it was reported that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted the plan. However, he said today that he does not accept the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Hamas has not yet accepted the plan. Qatar is expected to hold discussions with Hamas, while countries such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have expressed support for the plan. The Palestinian Authority has also voiced its approval.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has likewise backed Trump’s proposal, calling it the best possible chance to end the war between Israel and Hamas.