Washington: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (AEST) cast his plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as a landmark deal to bring peace after two years of catastrophic violence. But in reality, it was more like an ultimatum to Hamas.

Standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump unveiled a proposal to which both men had agreed. If Hamas refuses to do the same, Trump said, the US will let Israel “do what you would have to do”.

“Israel would have my full backing to finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas,” said Trump, who under the plan would become the temporary chair of a board in charge of the redevelopment of Gaza.

The joint appearance by Trump and Netanyahu at the White House was a clear display of unity at a moment when Trump has shown signs of fr

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