Trump and Netanyahu concur on a new peace initiative for Gaza

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu state they have reached an agreement on a new peace proposal for Gaza, urging Hamas to accept it.

The proposal suggests an immediate halt to military actions, requiring Hamas to release 20 living Israeli hostages and the remains of over two dozen presumed deceased hostages within 72 hours, in return for hundreds of Gazans currently detained.

A Palestinian source acquainted with the ceasefire discussions informed the BBC that Hamas officials have received the White House’s 20-point plan.

It stipulates that Hamas will not participate in Gaza’s governance, while keeping the possibility of a future Palestinian state open.

During a press briefing after discussions at the White House, Trump declared the initiative as “a historic day for peace”.

However, he mentioned that Netanyahu would have US support to “complete the destruction of the Hamas threat” should Hamas reject the proposal.

Netanyahu then asserted that Israel “will finish the job” if Hamas turns down the agreement or fails to follow it through.

The Palestinian Authority, which manages the Israeli-occupied West Bank, has described the US president’s initiatives as “genuine and resolute”.

In a statement released by its WAFA news agency, the authority asserted it “renews its collective commitment to collaborate with the United States, regional countries, and partners” to conclude the conflict in Gaza, guarantee adequate humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, and facilitate the release of hostages and prisoners.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan expressed their support for Trump’s “leadership and sincere endeavors to wrap up the conflict in Gaza”.

They indicated their readiness to work with the US to finalize and implement the accord, which they noted should result in a “two-state solution, where Gaza is fully united with the West Bank in a Palestinian state.”

The proposed plan, if enacted, would start with an immediate halt to military actions. It also specifies that current “battle lines” would remain unchanged until conditions allow for a phased withdrawal.

According to Trump’s proposal, Hamas would disarm, and its tunnels and arms production sites would be dismantled.

For each Israeli hostage whose remains are returned, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans, as indicated in the plan.

Furthermore, the plan specifies that once both parties accept the proposal, “complete aid will be promptly delivered to the Gaza Strip”.

The US also presents its strategy for Gaza’s future governance.

It states that a “technocratic, non-political Palestinian committee” will temporarily oversee governance “under the guidance and supervision of a newly established international transitional body, referred to as the Board of Peace, which will be led” by Trump.

Former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair will participate in the governing body alongside other leaders “yet to be named”. Sir Tony characterized the proposal as “audacious and insightful”.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer embraced the proposal, stating, “We urge all parties to unite and work with the US Administration to finalize this agreement and implement it effectively.”

“Hamas must now accept the plan and alleviate the suffering by disarming and freeing all remaining hostages,” Sir Keir added.

European Council President Antonio Costa expressed he was “inspired by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s favorable reception” to the proposal. He indicated that “all parties should capitalize on this moment to genuinely pursue peace”.

French President Emmanuel Macron commended the proposal, stating: “France is prepared to assist” in the efforts to conclude the conflict and liberate hostages.

“These elements should facilitate extensive discussions with all pertinent partners to establish a lasting peace in the region, grounded in the two-state solution,” asserted Macron.

The plan further asserts that Hamas should have no governance role, “directly, indirectly, or through any means”.

A significant portion of the proposal emphasizes what the US refers to as an “economic development strategy” for rebuilding Gaza. It also conveys that “Israel will neither occupy nor annex Gaza” and that its forces will gradually withdraw from the territory over time.

In a departure from Trump’s previous statements, Palestinians will not be compelled to leave Gaza. Rather, the document asserted: “We will advocate for people to remain and provide them the chance to reconstruct a better Gaza.”

The proposal also leaves the option open for a future Palestinian state.

A Palestinian source knowledgeable about the ceasefire negotiations informed the BBC that “Qatari and Egyptian officials have delivered the White House’s plan to conclude the conflict in Gaza to Hamas representatives in Doha”.

Previously, a senior Hamas official mentioned to the BBC that the organization was open to reviewing any proposal that might conclude the war in Gaza, stressing that any agreement must protect Palestinian interests, ensure a complete Israeli exit from Gaza, and bring the hostilities to a close.

When questioned about the group’s armaments, the official remarked: “The resistance’s arms are a non-negotiable issue as long as the occupation persists.”

“The matter of arms can only be discussed within the scope of a political solution that ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders.”

The announcement of the proposal occurs just days after Netanyahu criticized the acknowledgment of a Palestinian state by numerous Western nations during a spirited address at the UN General Assembly.

Netanyahu denounced the recognition actions as a “scandalous act” that conveyed the message that “killing Jews is rewarded”.

Numerous officials and diplomats walked out as he approached the UN podium, leaving substantial sections of the conference hall vacant.

While Trump has firmly supported Netanyahu since resuming his presidency, he has increasingly expressed discontent regarding Israel’s actions in recent weeks.

Trump voiced frustration over Israel’s recent strike against Hamas members in key US ally Qatar.

Before Monday’s press conference, Netanyahu contacted Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani of Qatar from the White House to express his profound regret for the unintended loss of a Qatari serviceman due to Israel’s missile strike.

The Israeli military initiated a campaign in Gaza in retaliation for the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 abductees.

At least 66,055 individuals have died in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.

A UN-supported organization recently confirmed the existence of famine in Gaza City. Earlier this month, a UN inquiry commission concluded that Israel had conducted genocide in Gaza – a claim that Israel vehemently denies.