Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Feb 7: As Israel and Hamas prepare for a fresh exchange of hostages and prisoners on Saturday, former US President Donald Trump's proposal for an American-controlled Gaza has triggered widespread outrage, casting doubt over the fragile ceasefire.

Despite the ongoing truce, Israel has ordered its military to draft plans for the ‘voluntary relocation’ of Gazans, while Hamas has strongly rejected Trump's idea as ‘absolutely unacceptable.’ Mediator Egypt has also warned that Israel’s support for the plan could derail ceasefire talks and reignite conflict.

So far, Hamas has released 18 hostages in exchange for around 600 Palestinian prisoners. Saturday’s swap, part of the truce mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, remains uncertain, with no details disclosed on the numbers involved.

Trump, doubling down on his controversial stance, claimed on Truth Social that a US-controlled Gaza would bring ‘stability’ without the need for American troops. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the proposal as "the first original idea to be raised in years."

However, Hamas and regional leaders remain defiant. “Gaza is for its people, and they will not leave,” said Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem.

With negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire in limbo, concerns grow over the fate of the remaining hostages, 76 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 34 believed to be dead.