Washington Proposes Gaza Ceasefire and Israeli Withdrawal Under Trump-Led Plan

Washington, The Gulf Observer: US President Donald Trump on Monday unveiled a comprehensive Gaza peace plan, expressing gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his support and voicing hope that Hamas would also accept the proposal.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Netanyahu, Trump emphasized the urgency of ending the long-standing conflict. “I want to thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for agreeing to the plan and for trusting that if we work together, we can bring an end to the death and destruction that we’ve seen for so many years,” he said. “I hope that we’re going to have a deal for peace, and if Hamas rejects the deal, which is always possible, they will be the only one left. Everyone else has accepted it.”

The plan, which Trump described as “beyond very close” to universal approval, calls for an immediate ceasefire, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the disarmament of Hamas. It further outlines the deployment of a temporary international stabilization force and the establishment of a transitional authority to govern Gaza. Trump himself would oversee this transitional arrangement, according to the document.

A central provision links Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza to the release of hostages held by Hamas, while Hamas militants agreeing to peaceful coexistence would be granted amnesty. The deal also promises the opening of borders to humanitarian aid and international investment, encouraging Palestinians to remain and rebuild.

Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi, however, told Al Jazeera Mubasher TV that the group had not yet received the written peace plan.

Trump said the proposal has already been circulated to Arab leaders, many of whom, he claimed, had expressed support. “All are on board for something special, first time ever,” he wrote on social media Sunday.

Despite Netanyahu’s public backing, his recent statements at the United Nations raised doubts. In a defiant address, he vowed to “finish the job” against Hamas and dismissed the prospect of Palestinian statehood, which several Western nations have recognized. Trump has also recently shown signs of frustration with Israel, particularly after a strike in Qatar, a key US ally, and has warned Netanyahu against annexing the occupied West Bank.

The plan’s provisions include the release of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life terms, in exchange for hostages. However, disagreements persist over the role of the Palestinian Authority and international forces in post-war Gaza. Netanyahu himself expressed skepticism, telling Fox News: “The likelihood of a reformed Palestinian Authority that accepts a Jewish state—well, good luck.”

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continued across Gaza on Monday, killing at least four people in Khan Yunis, according to local officials. Families of Israeli hostages urged Trump to “stand firm” in advancing the proposal despite opposition.

Reactions from Gaza reflected deep mistrust. “I don’t expect anything from Trump, because Trump supports Netanyahu in destroying the Gaza Strip and displacing people,” said Mohammed Abu Rabee, a resident of Gaza.

The conflict, now entering its third year since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,219 people in Israel, has resulted in 66,055 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry figures recognized by the United Nations.

While Trump expressed optimism, analysts warned the path to peace remains fraught with obstacles. “Netanyahu has a clear preference for continuing the war and defeating Hamas, but it is not impossible for Trump to convince him otherwise,” noted Natan Sachs of the Middle East Institute.