In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, and Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, have issued a stark ultimatum to the militant group. During a meeting at the White House on Monday, the leaders unveiled their ambitious 20-point peace plan for Gaza, demanding that Hamas accepts the proposal or face dire consequences. This joint press briefing was hailed as a potential historic breakthrough for the Middle East.
The 20-point peace plan aims to bring an end to the violence that has engulfed the region since the deadly attacks on October 7, 2023. The plan outlines several critical measures, including a ceasefire, a hostage exchange, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a transitional government led by an international body. Trump emphasized that if Hamas accepts the proposal, it includes the immediate release of all remaining hostages within a maximum of 72 hours.
Furthermore, the plan stipulates that Hamas must disband its military capabilities and renounce governance in Gaza. Members of Hamas who commit to peaceful coexistence would be granted amnesty, allowing them to remain in Gaza or secure safe passage to other countries. Trump proposed the creation of a temporary governing board, which he would lead, alongside notable figures such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Despite the strong language from Trump and Netanyahu, it appears that Hamas has not yet been formally consulted on the terms of the peace plan. Mahmoud Mardawi, a Hamas official, indicated that the group had not received the proposal. Reports later suggested that Qatari and Egyptian mediators met with Hamas on Monday evening to share the details of the peace plan.
Trump made it clear that there would be no room for negotiation, stating, “If Hamas rejects the deal, Israel would have my full backing to finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas.” Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, warning that Israel would take unilateral action if Hamas failed to comply with the proposed terms.
The White House has positioned this 20-point plan as a crucial step towards stabilizing the region and providing a framework for peace. The proposal has garnered support from various Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt, who released a joint statement welcoming the announcement. The Palestinian Authority also expressed support for Trump’s efforts to end the war.
However, significant skepticism remains, particularly from groups like the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, whose chief labeled the plan a “recipe to blow up the region.” The absence of Hamas from the negotiations raises questions about the viability of the proposed solutions, especially given the ongoing violence that has resulted in over 65,000 deaths and more than 160,000 injuries since the conflict reignited in October.
As the situation in Gaza remains precarious, Trump and Netanyahu's 20-point plan represents a bold attempt to reshape the future of the region. While the leaders remain optimistic about the potential for peace, the true test will be whether Hamas can be persuaded to accept the terms laid out in this ambitious proposal. With tensions high and military actions continuing, the coming days will be critical in determining the path forward for both Gaza and Israel.
