Title: Israel Reacts to Trump's New Gaza Peace Proposal

Israeli reactions to a recent press conference at the White House have been marked by a mix of numbness, disbelief, and cautious hope. The press conference, held on Monday, followed two years of conflict with Hamas, which escalated after the deadly attacks on October 7. Many Israelis are feeling the weight of grief, hardship, and anger as they navigate a landscape filled with hostility from the international community.

The ongoing war has left Israelis exhausted, facing relentless criticism in the media and diplomatic arenas. They are frustrated by what they perceive as a growing anti-Israel sentiment in the West, where Hamas is often portrayed as noble freedom fighters rather than the violent extremists they are. This frustration is compounded by dissatisfaction with the Israeli government's handling of the war and the hostage crisis.

In the wake of the recent conflict, many Israelis have experienced fleeting moments of hope, only to find themselves entrenched in a war they never sought. Last week, several Western nations, led by Canada, condemned Israel at the United Nations, while Hamas has largely evaded accountability for its actions.

One of the most painful allegations made against Israel is that it has committed genocide, a claim brought forth by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. This accusation strikes deeply at the heart of a nation that emerged from the horrors of the Holocaust. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that if Israel had intended to commit genocide, it could have done so swiftly.

The press conference at the White House was highly anticipated, with journalists waiting for over an hour for Trump and Netanyahu to arrive. The atmosphere was tense, and Israeli media took the opportunity to discuss the political implications of Netanyahu's recent phone call with the Emir of Qatar. During that call, Netanyahu apologized for an Israeli airstrike that unintentionally killed Hamas officials, a move that drew criticism from various political factions in Israel.

Avigdor Liberman, a prominent right-wing politician, expressed disbelief that Netanyahu would apologize to Qatar, which has not condemned the October 7 attacks. He noted that Netanyahu has never apologized to the Israeli people for the violence they have endured.

Despite the political turmoil, Netanyahu's remarks during the press conference were carefully crafted to maintain national dignity while allowing Qatar to save face. Trump introduced a 21-point peace proposal, which he described as one of the most significant diplomatic developments in recent history. The proposal is designed to be acceptable to all parties, including Qatar, and a response from Hamas is expected soon.

If Hamas responds positively, it could lead to the release of hostages within 72 hours. The ongoing captivity of hostages has taken a toll on the Israeli public, with families expressing desperation and fear of further disappointment. The proposed plan includes a ceasefire, the surrender of Hamas weapons, and the possibility for Hamas members to relocate if they renounce their ideology.

The plan also outlines a gradual withdrawal of Israeli military forces, with a multilateral force stepping in to oversee governance and reconstruction in Gaza. Trump has indicated that he will closely monitor the progress of this initiative, which aims to transform Gaza into a functioning society.

The ambitious nature of the proposal has garnered support from Israel and key Arab nations, including Qatar, which has historically supported Hamas. The plan sends a clear message to Hamas: time is running out. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will pursue its objectives, whether through cooperation or force.

As the situation unfolds, there are concerns in Israel about the potential challenges in locating the remains of those killed by Hamas. Even if Hamas agrees to the terms, numerous issues remain to be resolved before any agreement can be finalized. The Israeli public is eager for a resolution to the ongoing conflict but remains wary of the prospects for lasting peace.