Trump and Netanyahu Agree on Plan to End Gaza War
Introduction to the Plan
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that they have agreed on a plan to end the war in Gaza. The plan, which consists of 20 points, aims to establish a temporary governing board headed by Trump and includes former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The board’s primary objective is to oversee the postwar governance of the battered Palestinian territory.
Key Terms of the Plan
The plan does not require people to leave Gaza and calls for the war to end immediately if both sides accept it. Additionally, it demands that all remaining hostages be released by Hamas within 72 hours of Israel accepting the plan. Trump emphasized that Israel would have the "full backing" of the United States to take steps to defeat Hamas if the group doesn’t accept the proposed peace deal.
Reaction from Netanyahu
Netanyahu expressed his commitment to the plan, stating that if Hamas rejects it, Israel will finish the job by itself. "This can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done," he said. The president urged Palestinian people to take responsibility "for their destiny" and embrace his peace proposal.
Hamas’ Stance
While Hamas has indicated in the past that it would agree to step back from governing Gaza, the militant group has refused to disarm, a condition that Netanyahu has long demanded as part of any long-term truce to end the war.
Apology to Qatar
Earlier on Monday, Netanyahu extended a formal apology to his Qatari counterpart for a recent military strike targeting Hamas officials in the gulf emirate. The strike infuriated Arab leaders and triggered rare criticism by the U.S. of Israel. Trump described the exchange between the Israeli and Qatari leader as a "heart-to-heart" call.
White House Talks
The White House talks and apology from Netanyahu come at a tenuous moment. Israel is increasingly isolated, losing support from many countries that were long its steadfast allies. At home, Netanyahu’s governing coalition appears more fragile than ever, and the White House is showing signs of impatience.
Proposal Details
The Trump plan indicates that once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who "commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty." The plan adds that members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza would be provided safe passage to receiving countries.
Reaction from Far-Right Coalition Partners
Netanyahu’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, defended the decision to carry out Israel’s attack on Hamas officials in Qatar, calling it "an important, just and ethical attack." This stance may pose a challenge for Netanyahu as he tries to justify his acceptance of the proposal to his coalition partners.
Trump’s Growing Frustration
Trump has been growing more frustrated with the conflict, particularly after Israel’s failed strike on Hamas officials in Qatar. Last week, Trump vowed to prevent Israel from annexing the West Bank, an idea promoted by some of Netanyahu’s hard-line governing partners.
Proposal Expectations
The proposal does not include the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, which Trump appeared to endorse earlier this year. The 21-point proposal calls for an end to Hamas rule of Gaza and the disarmament of the militant group. Hundreds of Palestinians, including many serving life sentences, will be released by Israel, according to the proposal.
International Security Force
The plan includes the establishment of an international security force to take over law enforcement in postwar Gaza. A Palestinian committee of technocrats would oversee the civilian affairs of the Gaza Strip, with power handed over later to a reformed Palestinian Authority.
Conclusion
The agreement between Trump and Netanyahu on a plan to end the Gaza war marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict. However, the success of the plan hinges on Hamas’ acceptance of its terms. The international community will be watching closely as the situation unfolds, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
FAQs
- What are the key terms of the plan agreed upon by Trump and Netanyahu?
The plan consists of 20 points, including the establishment of a temporary governing board, the release of hostages, and the disarmament of Hamas. - How has Hamas reacted to the proposal?
Hamas has not officially accepted or rejected the proposal, but it has refused to disarm in the past. - What was the nature of Netanyahu’s apology to Qatar?
Netanyahu apologized for a recent military strike targeting Hamas officials in Qatar, which infuriated Arab leaders and triggered criticism by the U.S. - How has the international community reacted to the proposal?
The international community is waiting to see how Hamas will react to the proposal, with many hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. - What are the potential challenges facing Netanyahu in justifying the proposal to his coalition partners?
Netanyahu may face challenges from his far-right national security minister and other coalition partners who have promoted a harder line against Hamas.
