A joint address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former US President Donald Trump from the White House is expected shortly. The two leaders convened in the Oval Office beforehand to discuss a potential ceasefire in Gaza. During their meeting, Netanyahu also contacted Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, to offer an apology. This apology stemmed from Israeli actions involving airstrikes against Hamas leaders in Qatar on September 9th.
Trump has proposed a 21-point peace initiative. The central tenets of this plan involve the liberation of all hostages held by Hamas within a 48-hour timeframe and a progressive withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Gaza. Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023, over 66,000 Palestinians have perished. It is estimated that approximately 48 hostages remain under Hamas’s control, and Israel believes around 20 of them are still alive.
The core tenets of Trump’s Gaza peace plan include:
* The release of all hostages within 48 hours of a ceasefire.
* The establishment of a lasting ceasefire.
* The gradual removal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
* The release of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 2,000 other detainees.
* The formation of a new governing body in Gaza, excluding Hamas, involving the Palestinian Authority, Arab nations, and international representatives.
* The creation of a technocratic (non-political) Palestinian administration in Gaza.
* The creation of a new security force, comprising Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim soldiers.
* Financial backing from Arab and Muslim nations for the rebuilding and governance of Gaza.
* Limited participation from the Palestinian Authority in the new government.
* The disarmament of Hamas, accompanied by the destruction of heavy weaponry and tunnels.
* Offering amnesty and permission for Hamas members who cease violence to stay in Gaza.
* Providing safe passage for Hamas members who do not cease violence.