Netanyahu Defies Trump’s plan: Israel Stalls Gaza Ceasefire Implementation

By Elijah J. Magnier –

Israel is deliberately delaying the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreed under U.S. pressure, revealing a widening rift between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump. The deal, which Trump forced upon Netanyahu after two years of devastating war in Gaza, was intended to end the bloodshed, open crossings, and allow humanitarian relief and reconstruction. Yet, weeks later, the Israeli leadership is obstructing every step of the agreement, seeking to maintain military control over more than half of Gaza and prevent any sign of recovery or normal life from re-emerging in the enclave.

The ceasefire, imposed by the White House after strong resistance from Netanyahu, stipulated that Israel halt its military operations, withdraw from several occupied zones, reopen the Rafah crossing, and allow at least 600 aid trucks daily to enter Gaza. In return, Hamas was to release all remaining Israeli prisoners and hand over the bodies of those killed during Israel’s bombing campaign. Hamas has returned the corpses of ten Israeli soldiers and appealed for international assistance to recover the remaining bodies believed to be trapped beneath thousands of tonnes of debris. Many of these remains lie under collapsed buildings and tunnels destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, and Hamas has asked for the intervention of specialised regional teams equipped for such work.