In an attempt to resolve the Israeli-Gaza conflict, former U.S. President Donald Trump, in collaboration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, presented a 20-point peace proposal at the White House. The plan has been met with positive responses from various Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey.
The primary critique of the proposal centers on its lack of a definitive guarantee for Palestinian statehood. The enthusiastic support from nations known to be allies of Palestine has ignited discussions regarding whether Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, through their actions, may have weakened the central issue of Palestinian statehood.
During a press conference, Trump criticized countries that have recently recognized Palestine. His 20-point plan mentions the possibility of a Palestinian state, but the language is very vague. The proposal links the establishment of a Palestinian state to progress in Gaza’s reconstruction and the honest implementation of reforms by the Palestinian Authority (PA), making these factors preconditions.
Netanyahu stated that the issue of a Palestinian state was not raised during his meeting with Trump. This omission highlights a perceived disregard for the main objective of Palestinian statehood.
Moreover, the plan has received support from regional countries that traditionally support Palestine. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that the plan would lead to political stability and economic growth. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also praised Trump’s efforts, and Saudi Arabia and other countries’ foreign ministers issued a joint statement lauding Trump’s efforts and expressing their belief that he could find a path to peace.
According to experts, the foreign policies of these countries are now more focused on economic stability and their relations with the United States. This strategy may have led to the marginalization of the core issue of Palestine. While Trump’s plan to bring peace to Gaza may offer short-term relief by halting violence, it does not provide a solid foundation for the Palestinians’ aspiration for statehood.
The plan includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the formation of an international peace board, chaired by Trump, with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair participating. Key elements of the plan include:
1. An immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
2. Hamas will release all Israeli hostages within 72 hours.
3. Israel will release 250 people serving life sentences and 1700 other prisoners.
4. A plan for the development and reform of Gaza will be created and funded.
5. An international security force will be deployed to maintain security in Gaza.
6. Security on the borders of Israel and Egypt will be strengthened.
7. International organizations will monitor aid and security in Gaza.
8. Talks for peace between Israel and Palestine will begin.