US-ISRAEL CONFLICT LOOMS: Trump Unveils Gaza Peace Plan, Netanyahu Vows to Continue War

The proposed 21-point peace plan for Gaza from the administration of US President Donald Trump provides for the release of all hostages within 48 hours of an agreement, in exchange for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, according to a source familiar with the proposal, which was shared with Arab leaders earlier this week, as reported by CNN.

It is currently unknown whether the proposal has been presented to the Palestinian militant group Hamas, and the plan may be modified in the coming days. The plan would likely be delivered through Qatar to the remainder of the Hamas negotiating team located in Doha. Trump expressed optimism about resolving the conflict, saying they are “very close” to reaching an agreement today.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, vowed in his speech at the UN General Assembly yesterday to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed.

According to the source, Arab leaders generally support the proposal, although they do not consider it perfect. They want the conflict to end as soon as possible, the source said.

In this version of the plan, there is no specified timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, according to the source. This version specifically states that Israel will not attack Qatar again, the unnamed source added. It also stipulates that there can be no forced displacement from Gaza.

The plan, according to the source, stipulates that Hamas will have no future role in the governance of Gaza and envisions two levels of interim administration: an international supervisory body and a Palestinian board.

The source noted that there is no timeframe for transferring power from the interim administration to the Palestinian Authority.

The proposal foresees a UN role in providing humanitarian aid and does not mention the Humanitarian Foundation for Gaza, the unnamed source states.

The plan does not state that the US would support a Palestinian state, but it does recognize this as an aspiration of the Palestinians.

Source: Telegraf, Photo: Reuters