Former President Donald Trump has unveiled a comprehensive peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. That was the setting for the announcement, jointly made at the White House by U.S. That’s part of what Trump emphasized in the plan’s release, its path to ending two years of bloodshed in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong support for Trump’s proposal, stating it aligns with Israel’s war objectives.
We shared the plan with regional actors such as Qatar and Egypt. It describes a 20-point revocation framework, specifying terms for both government and applicant. To this end, Hamas should release all living Israeli hostages within 72 hours. In the interim, Israel should agree that it will not occupy or annex Gaza. This likely comes on the heels of Netanyahu’s recent apology — delivered in English, mind you — to Qatar’s Prime Minister. The apology was for the Qatari serviceman recently killed by a mistaken airstrike in Doha.
Support from Israel and Regional Mediators
Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed Trump’s initiative, characterizing the former president as “the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House.” Netanyahu stated, “I support your plan to end the war in Gaza,” underscoring his commitment to the proposed framework. He said that from the standpoint of Israeli strategic goals, the plan is a success. It further opens the door for prosperity and stability throughout the region.
Qatar and Egypt have been indispensable as mediators, even just helping to broker the initial talks, in this entire negotiation process. Meanwhile, they’ve submitted the call plan to Hamas negotiators, who promised to consider it “in good faith.” Such a determination would jeopardize Qatar’s position as key mediator. This level of military involvement in the conflict bolsters Qatar’s claims to be a major force in the region.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his deep regret that Israel’s missile strike against Hamas targets in Qatar unintentionally killed a Qatari serviceman.” – ABC/wires
Conditions of the Peace Plan
Her 20-point peace plan lays out a number of important stipulations to provide peace and security for the people of Gaza. Unlike with previous ceasefires, Hamas needs to release a sufficient number (estimated at 20 or more) of Israeli hostages confirmed as alive. They face an extremely short deadline—only 72 hours—to accomplish this. The published plan explicitly rejects the idea that Israel occupy or annex Gaza. This decision has been widely disputed from multiple angles and poses interesting questions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will eventually return more occupied areas to Palestinian control. They are taking this step in order to give a boost to the newly trained Palestinian police forces. This new US initiative aims at building and maintaining a robust internal security regime in Gaza. Many rightly argue that this stability is critical to realizing long-term peace.
“It offers us the best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering,” – Tony Blair
Look who would be recruited to the Board of Peace, as Trump would so charmingly describe it – former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. His experience and credibility will be needed to support the peace efforts.
Skepticism from Palestinians
While this announcement is full of positivity from the likes of Trump and Netanyahu, responses from Palestinians have been far from positive. For example, many people in Gaza have expressed doubt about whether the peace plan is even doable. Ibrahim Joudeh, a local resident, remarked, “It’s clear that this plan is unrealistic,” further adding that it is “drafted with conditions that the US and Israel know Hamas will never accept.”
Another Gazan, Mohammed al-Beltaji, echoed these sentiments by stating, “As always, Israel agrees then Hamas refuses — or the other way around. It’s all a game, and we, the people, are the ones paying the price.” These voices speak to a deeper feeling among many Palestinians that the story could once again end with unfulfilled promises.
International responses have varied as well. As we’ve written previously, French President Emmanuel Macron said the plan must immediately set the stage for a two-state solution. He highlighted the dire need for sustainable peace in the area.
“But I have a feeling that we’re going to have a positive answer,” – Mr Trump
