TEL AVIV, March 3. /TASS/. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recorded a video in English where he thanks US President Donald Trump several times for comprehensive support in the situation with Gaza and the delivery of the weapons that were delayed by previous US President Joe Biden.

"I want to thank President Trump for his unwavering support for Israel. During my recent visit to Washington, I said that Donald Trump is the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House. And President Trump shows that friendship each and every day. He has shown it through his visionary plan for Gaza - this is a plan which Israel fully supports. He's shown it by sending us all the munitions that were being held up," he said. "And he has shown it by fully backing Israel and putting the pressure to release the hostages where it truly belongs - on Hamas."

The prime minister reiterated that Israel has accepted the plan of Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff to extend the temporary ceasefire by 50 days. Under the plan, half of the remaining hostages would be released right away and the other half would be released if Israel and Hamas reach an agreement on a permanent ceasefire.

"Again, Israel has accepted this plan. I accepted this plan. But so far, Hamas has rejected it. Hamas had also put forward positions for a permanent ceasefire that are totally unacceptable. Israel has decided to stop letting goods and supplies into Gaza, something we've done for the past 42 days. We've done that because Hamas steals the supplies and prevents the people of Gaza from getting them," Netanyahu said.

"We will take further steps if Hamas continues to hold our hostages. And throughout this, Israel knows that America and President Trump have our back," he said. "Thank you again, President Trump! Thank you for all you are doing to return our hostages, bolster our security and provide a future of prosperity and peace for all the peoples of the Middle East.".