Netanyahu's statement on Gaza

Visiting US President Donald Trump for the third time in his new presidency, Netanyahu met with House Speaker Mike Johnson on the second day of his Washington contacts.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Netanyahu said they had some plans for peace and that they aimed to implement them together with the United States .

Netanyahu, who reported that he and Trump discussed the need to "finish the job" in Gaza during his meeting yesterday, said, "Gaza needs to have a different future for our sake and for the sake of everyone."

When asked whether a ceasefire would be declared, Netanyahu said, "We are working on it. I cannot say anything in advance."

Noting that talks were held with many parties regarding the ceasefire, Netanyahu said, "We have a goal and we aim to achieve it."

"We accepted the offer from the mediators. It was a good offer. It fits with (Trump's special Middle East envoy) Steve Witkoff's original idea, and we think we're getting closer to that. Our goal is to move on to the next stage," Netanyahu said.

"WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE ASSISTANCE OF THE USA"

Netanyahu stated that US B-2 bombers had demonstrated great power in attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, arguing that Washington's assistance served the security of both the US and Israel.

Stating that Israel might want to have military capacity equal to the United States, Netanyahu said, "Nevertheless, we are grateful for the assistance given to us."

Netanyahu also signaled that he might meet with Trump again during his visit to Washington.

"IF THEY (PALESTINIANS) WANT TO STAY, THEY CAN STAY; IF THEY WANT TO LEAVE, THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO LEAVE"

After his meeting with Trump at the White House yesterday, Netanyahu responded to a question from the press about resettling Palestinians elsewhere, saying, "If they want to stay (in Gaza), they can, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave."

Stating that regional peace is possible under Trump's leadership, Netanyahu said, "I think under President Trump's leadership, we can achieve peace between us and the entire Middle East, and by working together, we can establish a very, very broad peace that will include all our neighbors."

TRUMP CALLS FOR GAZA PEOPLE TO BE SENT TO NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES

US President Donald Trump has called for Jordan, Egypt and other Arab countries to accept more Palestinian refugees from the region to "clean up" Gaza and "settle them in housing that will be built in different locations."

Following this, Jordan and Egypt, as well as the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations, issued statements rejecting Trump's offer.

However, Trump reiterated his rhetoric that Gazans should be sent to neighboring countries, saying he was confident that Egypt and Jordan would accept Palestinians from Gaza into their countries.

AA