Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former US President Donald Trump are set to make a joint address from the White House soon. Their meeting earlier in the Oval Office focused on the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza. During this meeting, Netanyahu also made a phone call to Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, to offer an apology. This apology was related to Israel’s actions, specifically airstrikes targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar on September 9th.
Trump presented a 21-point plan aimed at achieving peace. This plan’s key proposals include the release of all hostages held by Hamas within 48 hours and the phased removal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which started on October 7, 2023, has caused the deaths of over 66,000 Palestinians. It’s estimated that Hamas is still holding approximately 48 hostages, and Israel believes around 20 of them are still alive.
Here are the key elements of Trump’s Gaza peace plan:
* All hostages must be released within 48 hours of a ceasefire being agreed.
* A permanent ceasefire will be put in place.
* Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza in stages.
* 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, along with 2,000 other detainees, will be released.
* A new government will be formed in Gaza, excluding Hamas, with the participation of the Palestinian Authority, Arab nations, and international representatives.
* A technocratic (non-political) Palestinian government will be set up in Gaza.
* A new security force will be established, consisting of soldiers from Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim countries.
* Arab and Muslim nations will provide financial support for Gaza’s reconstruction and administration.
* The Palestinian Authority will have a limited role in the new government.
* Hamas will be disarmed, and heavy weapons and tunnels will be destroyed.
* Hamas members who stop using violence will be granted amnesty and allowed to remain in Gaza.
* Hamas members who do not stop using violence will be allowed to leave safely.