Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) has indicated a softening of its position on US President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan, moving from outright rejection to demanding significant changes.
On Monday, the group dismissed the proposal, but deputy secretary-general Mohammed al-Hindi told Al Arabiya on Tuesday that PIJ was now seeking amendments.
He said the group wanted a “clearly scheduled withdrawal of Israeli troops tied directly to the release of hostages” rather than an indefinite or conditional process.
The apparent shift comes as Israel intensifies its offensive in Gaza City.
DAILY POST reports that Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli forces were completing control of the Netzarim corridor, extending to the Mediterranean coast, a move he said would “tighten the siege” around the city.
Katz has repeatedly urged civilians to evacuate south, warning that those who remain would be considered “terrorists and terror supporters.”
Hospitals in Gaza City reported dozens of deaths on Wednesday, while the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it was forced to suspend its operations in the city due to escalating violence.
Arab and Turkish mediators had pressured both Hamas and PIJ to consider Trump’s 20-point plan, which includes a full ceasefire, the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and a gradual Israeli troop withdrawal.
