Well, former President Donald Trump has finally released his 181-page Arabic-language plan to make peace in the eternally divided Gaza Strip. Back at the White House during negotiations, Trump reportedly described his plan to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His proposal includes deploying an international security force to the region and creating a new “Board of Peace” that would govern the administration and reconstruction of Gaza.
Retweet Trump’s plan requires that Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, disarm. In exchange, they’ll get an end to the violence, humanitarian assistance and protection for Palestinian families, and pledges for rebuilding processes. Under this plan, Gaza would remain under international supervision. Israeli troops will ring the enclave, thereby putting its over two million inhabitants under international siege.
In an apparent about-face, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the plan, praising it as “a realistic path for Gaza.” He stressed that the deal would bring about a “lasting peaceful civilian administration” in the area. The proposal fails to be clear on the need for Palestinian statehood. Instead, it provides only a hazy assurance that this option could become available down the line.
At that meeting, Trump told officials, “I just think it’s better to let these documents get signed and everybody get in line. It’s just not appropriate to be taking questions at this point.” This comment underscored the many challenges associated with completing the proposed framework.
While discussions were held against the backdrop of rising tensions in Gaza, both leaders recognized the challenges ahead. Netanyahu was even blunt about the difficulties of carrying out the plan. He illustrated this by stating, “That’s a very, very tough proposition, but I would feel, Mr. President, that I would lean toward your instinct.” His remarks highlighted the fluidity of the tentative ceasefire to come.
The proposal features commitments to humanitarian assistance for Palestinians harmed by violence. Trump thanked Netanyahu for his willingness to cooperate closely on the Gaza plan. He doubled down on his commitment to support Israel should Hamas reject the offer. “If Hamas rejects your plan, Mr. President, or if they supposedly accepted and then basically do everything to counter it, then [Israel] will finish the job by itself,” Netanyahu warned.
Underlying all this would be a transitional “Board of Peace,” led by none other than Trump himself and former Brit PM Tony Blair. This board would be responsible for both the coordination of reconstruction efforts and the imposition of governance structures within Gaza. The reason for direct international involvement is to stabilize the region and promote the conditions necessary for peace.
Given the breadth of the plan’s ambition, reactions to the practical feasibility of its implementation have been polarized. Critics point out that past peace talks often fall flat. The socio-political realities of the region have persistently hindered movements toward permanent resolution. Trump expressed confidence in achieving a ceasefire deal: “I’m very confident this can be done.”
These discussions on plans for Gaza’s postwar rebuilding represent a hopeful turning point in the much older discussions on plan to solve the Israel-Palestine conflict. Despite their many differences, both leaders seem to understand that the future of Gaza depends on strong diplomatic leadership and collaboration from the parties involved.