In a high-profile announcement at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the protracted war in Gaza. Trump hailed the proposal as a historic milestone, potentially ushering in “eternal peace in the Middle East.” However, the plan, while ambitious, remains a framework for further negotiations rather than a detailed roadmap to resolution. The proposal marks a significant shift in the Trump administration’s stance on Gaza’s post-war future and increases pressure on Netanyahu to accept a deal. Key elements include a ceasefire, limited Israeli withdrawal, the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the establishment of a technocratic administration in Gaza overseen by a U.S.-led “Board of Peace.” The plan also vaguely references Palestinian statehood, contingent on reforms within the Palestinian Authority. While Arab nations view the proposal as a breakthrough, Hamas remains skeptical, with one figure criticizing its failure to safeguard Palestinian interests. Netanyahu’s domestic opponents also question his commitment, citing his history of derailing deals for political gain. The plan’s success hinges on overcoming longstanding obstacles, including Hamas’s demands for Israeli withdrawal and Netanyahu’s coalition’s resistance to concessions. The proposal, crafted by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, draws on previous diplomatic efforts, including the Saudi-French plan and Tony Blair’s involvement. Despite its lofty goals, the plan’s ambiguity leaves room for both sides to exploit negotiations, potentially stalling progress. As the world watches, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, with the response from Hamas and Netanyahu’s government likely to determine the plan’s fate.
Trump’s Gaza plan is a significant step – but faces fundamental obstacles
