Trump and Netanyahu Unveil Gaza Plan, Facing Immediate hurdles
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a 20-point plan Monday aimed at establishing a path toward peace in Gaza, a proposal instantly met with cautious responses from Hamas and internal opposition within Netanyahu’s own coalition. The plan outlines an interim management run by Palestinian technocrats, overseen by a “Board of Peace,” and focuses heavily on reconstruction of the territory devastated by Israel’s recent military campaign.
The proposal addresses key Palestinian concerns, explicitly stating there will be no expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza – a fear fueled by previous statements from both Trump and Israeli officials regarding potential “voluntary” relocation and redevelopment of the strip. it also details the continuation of the Gaza Humanitarian fund, a controversial food distribution system supported by Israel and the U.S.
Central to the plan is the reform of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to enable it to eventually govern Gaza. While the plan offers a potential “credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood” contingent on PA reforms and Gaza redevelopment, it offers onyl a limited commitment to statehood.
Qatar’s prime minister and Egypt’s intelligence chief delivered the plan to Hamas negotiators Monday evening, who have pledged to review it “in good faith.” However, Hamas has thus far rejected demands for disarmament, maintaining its right to resist Israeli occupation.
Several Arab nations have publicly endorsed the outline. A joint statement from Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates applauded Trump’s proposal.
Important challenges remain within Israel. Finance Minister Bezalel smotrich, a key member of Netanyahu’s governing coalition, published a list of ”red lines” on X, stating any deal must exclude PA involvement in Gaza and preclude the establishment of a Palestinian state. Smotrich has previously threatened to withdraw support from Netanyahu’s government if the war in Gaza is halted.
Netanyahu, though, indicated skepticism about the PA’s ability to enact the necessary reforms, despite publicly welcoming Trump’s plan. He suggested a potential loophole, noting the proposal’s conditional nature regarding PA involvement.