In a significant political move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his support for the new U.S. peace plan for Gaza. This proposal, however, presents a challenging dilemma for the militant group Hamas, as it demands a substantial concession: effectively disarming in exchange for uncertain benefits. Should Hamas reject this deal, the potential consequences could be dire, allowing Israel to intensify its military campaign in the already devastated Gaza Strip.
The U.S. peace plan outlines a framework where Hamas would need to disarm to facilitate an end to hostilities, receive humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population, and anticipate future reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The plan, however, offers only a vague promise regarding the possibility of Palestinian statehood in the future, leaving the immediate status of Gaza's more than 2 million residents under international control.
An international security force is set to be deployed, overseen by a proposed “Board of Peace” led by former President Donald Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Despite these plans, Gaza would remain surrounded by Israeli troops, leading many to question the feasibility and sincerity of the proposal.
The peace plan outlines several crucial elements:
Ceasefire: Immediate cessation of hostilities is mandated. Hamas is expected to release all hostages within 72 hours. Currently, Hamas holds 48 hostages, with 20 believed to be alive. Prisoner Exchange: In exchange for the hostages, Israel would release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees from Gaza, including all women and children. Troop Withdrawal: Israeli forces would withdraw only after Hamas disarms. An international security force would then move in, potentially creating a buffer zone within Gaza.Hamas has expressed its reluctance to comply with the disarmament demands without a clear declaration that the war will come to an end and that Israeli forces will fully withdraw from Gaza. The organization's military infrastructure, including its extensive tunnel network, would need to be dismantled, putting significant pressure on Hamas and its leadership.
Furthermore, the plan stipulates that members of Hamas who pledge to live peacefully would receive amnesty, while those wishing to leave Gaza would be permitted to do so. The international security force would play a crucial role in ensuring disarmament and maintaining order, alongside training Palestinian police for law enforcement duties. Egyptian authorities have already begun training thousands of Palestinian police for deployment in Gaza.
The proposal allows for substantial humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, which will be managed by neutral international organizations such as the U.N. and the Red Crescent. However, the future of the Gaza Humanitarian Fund, a contentious program backed by the U.S. and Israel, remains uncertain.
Importantly, the plan explicitly states that Palestinians will not be expelled from Gaza, addressing fears of mass displacement, especially following remarks from both Trump and the Israeli government regarding the potential for a “voluntary” relocation of Gaza’s population. An interim administration of Palestinian technocrats is proposed to manage daily affairs, under the oversight of the “Board of Peace” that would also supervise reconstruction funding.
During this interim phase, the Palestinian Authority (PA) would undergo necessary reforms to eventually assume governance of Gaza. However, the plan offers only a minimal acknowledgment of Palestinian statehood, suggesting that with sufficient reform and progress in Gaza's redevelopment, conditions may arise for a credible path towards Palestinian self-determination.
In the wake of the proposal, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Egypt’s intelligence chief shared the 20-point plan with Hamas negotiators, who have committed to reviewing it in good faith. Nevertheless, Hamas remains firm in its stance against disarmament, asserting its right to resist until Israeli occupation ceases. Meanwhile, support for the outline has emerged from several Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, who have collectively endorsed Trump's initiative.
However, Netanyahu may face internal challenges within his ultra-nationalist coalition, particularly from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has publicly outlined his “red lines.” Smotrich has emphasized that any agreement must exclude the PA from governance in Gaza and reject the establishment of a Palestinian state. Despite this, Netanyahu appears to believe that the PA's involvement will be conditional and unlikely to materialize.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely to see whether Hamas will accept the U.S. peace plan or continue its resistance, and what that decision will mean for the future of Gaza and its people.
