Trump Proposes New Peace Plan for Gaza Ahead of Key Meeting with Netanyahu

In a bold diplomatic move ahead of a critical meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump has resurrected hopes for peace in the Gaza Strip. Last week, during a gathering of Arab state representatives at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Trump unveiled a new peace agreement aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, which has seen devastating violence and loss of life, especially following the attacks on October 7, 2023. This proposed plan includes essential components such as a ceasefire and the immediate return of hostages—both living and deceased—taken during those tragic events. In exchange, Israel is expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and gradually withdraw its military presence from Gaza. Central to the plan is the exclusion of Hamas from any political or military role in the Gaza Strip. Reports indicate that Hamas members would either need to accept peaceful coexistence with Israel, as suggested by the Times of Israel, or vacate the region entirely. The proposal calls for the establishment of a transitional government, which would operate under international supervision; former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is tipped to head this oversight. The transitional government, envisioned to last five years, would consist of Palestinian technocrats tasked with managing essential services for Gaza's beleaguered population. International cooperation is anticipated in financing the reconstruction of Gaza, with involvement from the USA, Arab nations, and Europe. Additionally, Trump's plan mentions establishing an international stabilization force to train and develop a Palestinian police force, which will ultimately shoulder security responsibilities once the Palestinian Authority can implement necessary reforms. Significantly, these proposals challenge previous Israeli government positions, as they do not include any mention of expelling the Palestinian population from Gaza—a vision previously espoused by certain Israeli officials. Prime Minister Netanyahu has historically resisted the idea of a prominent role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza administration. The Authority oversees the Palestinian territories in the West Bank but has faced deterioration in its authority and support, compounded by financial crises partly caused by Israeli payment withholding. As President Mahmoud Abbas leads the Palestinian Authority—having not been legitimized through elections for over two decades—its governance remains precarious. Meanwhile, the recent declaration by several European countries recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state further complicates Netanyahu's stance, as he has vehemently opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state and has indicated he will respond robustly. Tensions continue to simmer, with Netanyahu reiterating his commitment to defeating Hamas, notably in his recent speech to the United Nations. His remarks showcased military triumphs against Islamist factions in the past two years and underscored the trauma endured by Israel since October 7. However, these statements were coupled with discomfort within the international community, as Netanyahu faced criticism, exemplified by a largely empty hall at the UN due to a mass diplomatic walkout in protest of Israel's Gaza operations. On the ground in Gaza, conditions are dire, with reports of widespread hunger as conflict rages on. Trump's peace plan also appears to address humanitarian needs, proposing benchmarks that call for no fewer than 600 aid trucks to gain access to Gaza daily, along with efforts to restore the ruined infrastructure. With intensive discussions on the horizon, the question remains whether Trump will secure Netanyahu's buy-in for these ambitious proposals. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the world watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that has long eluded peace efforts in the region. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2