Israel Considers Establishing 'Safe Passage' for Hamas Leaders to Exit Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel might allow Hamas leaders safe passage out of Gaza under specific conditions, as he prepares to meet with President Trump to discuss a new peace plan for the war-torn territory.

Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu laid out Israel's terms clearly: "If Hamas leaders are escorted out of the country, yes, if they end the war and release all hostages, we will allow them to leave." The proposal comes as Trump pushes a detailed 21-point plan that could reshape Gaza's future.

Netanyahu meets with Trump at the White House today to hash out the details. The Israeli leader admitted the plan isn't finished yet and his government is still working through it with Trump's team. But he sounds optimistic about making it work.

Here's what Trump's plan reportedly includes: immediate release of the remaining 20 living hostages in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza completely. Hamas would lose all control over governing Gaza, but Israel wouldn't be allowed to annex the territory either. Instead, a transitional government would take charge.

The stakes are huge for everyone involved. For Israel, it means getting hostages back while removing Hamas from power. For Palestinians in Gaza, it could mean an end to the devastating war but also major political changes. For Trump, it's an early test of his ability to broker Middle East deals.

Netanyahu explained his motivation: "We want to free our hostages. We want to eliminate Hamas rule, disarm them, demilitarize Gaza, and achieve a new future for Gaza, for Israelis, and for the entire region."

Trump seems confident the talks are heading in the right direction. Yesterday he said discussions about his Gaza plan are "progressing very well." But getting Hamas to agree to give up power and leave Gaza won't be easy, even with safe passage guarantees.

The meeting today could determine whether this diplomatic push gains real momentum or stalls like previous ceasefire attempts. Both leaders have strong political incentives to make something work, but the details still need to be hammered out with all parties involved.