Hamas has agreed to engage with former President Donald Trump’s comprehensive proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This decision comes despite increasing international pressure and public support across the region for Trump’s plan. The proposal demands a rapid cessation of hostilities. It further requires an immediate increase of humanitarian aid to the besieged area and an organized exchange of hostages.
The backdrop of this development is Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 60,000 Palestinians and left approximately 170,000 wounded according to the Gaza health authority. These huge numbers make it all the more urgent for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict to begin. Specifically, many areas of Gaza are continuing to experience extreme hunger and famine-like conditions.
Here are three of the most important parts of Trump’s plan. Its primary aim is the reconstruction of the flattened Gaza Strip and the eventual pullout of Israeli troops. It further requires a mutually agreed swap of hostages and Palestinian prisoners in no more than 72 hours following the signing of the agreement. It further requires the demilitarization of Hamas. It suggests creating a gas transition authority under U.S. leadership.
Almost universally, every regional and international power has praised Trump’s initiative, seeing it the first step down the road toward peace. Hamas announced that “other issues” in the draft will need more work. These discussions would need to take place under a single Palestinian national banner, the crucial precondition for any enduring accord.
“Approval of releasing all occupation prisoners – both living and remains – according to the exchange formula contained in president Trump’s proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange.” – Hamas
Acknowledging the sensitive nature of such an enterprise, Hamas has stressed focusing on these broader issues. They suggest that a new military government be placed under the control of independent technocrats. This newly elected body should be representative of Palestinian national consensus and embraced by Arab and Islamic countries.
Israel’s military response started close to two years ago following an enormous surprise attack by Hamas-led terrorists that killed about 1,200 people and captured 251 hostages. During that time, the cycle of violence has increased in intensity and severity. The results have been catastrophic, leading to repeated calls for immediate humanitarian aid and a permanent cessation of hostilities.