A peace proposal, crafted by former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aiming to end the two-year-long Israeli-Gaza conflict, has been met with approval from a number of Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. This 20-point plan was unveiled at the White House.
A key concern with the proposal is its lack of explicit provisions for Palestinian statehood. The favorable responses from nations traditionally supportive of Palestine raise questions about whether these countries are inadvertently weakening the focus on Palestinian statehood.
During a press conference, Trump criticized nations that recently recognized Palestine. His plan alludes to the possibility of a Palestinian state, but in ambiguous terms. The proposal links statehood to the progress of Gaza’s reconstruction and the genuine implementation of the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) reform program, making them conditional.
Netanyahu confirmed that the issue of Palestinian statehood was not raised during his meeting with Trump. This omission is seen as a disregard for the core issue of Palestinian statehood.
The plan has received positive feedback from regional countries that are traditionally considered supporters of Palestine. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that the proposal would result in political stability and economic growth. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also commended Trump’s efforts, and Saudi Arabia along with other nations issued a joint statement praising Trump’s honest efforts, expressing belief in his ability to forge a path to peace.
Experts suggest that the diplomatic strategies of these countries are now focused on economic stability and stronger U.S. relations. Thus, the core issue of Palestine is being marginalized. While Trump’s plan could provide short-term relief by curbing violence in Gaza, it fails to provide a solid foundation for the realization of a Palestinian state.
The plan involves an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the formation of an international peace board, led by Trump and including figures like former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The specific points of the plan include:
1. Immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
2. Hamas to release all Israeli hostages within 72 hours.
3. Israel to release 250 prisoners serving life sentences from Gaza and 1700 other prisoners.
4. Development and reform plans for Gaza will be created and funded.
5. An international security force will be deployed to maintain security in Gaza.
6. Strengthened security on the borders of Israel and Egypt.
7. International organizations will monitor aid and security in Gaza.
8. Peace talks between Israel and Palestine will begin.