In an effort to end the ongoing Israeli-Gaza conflict, which has persisted for the past two years, former U.S. President Donald Trump, in collaboration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, presented a 20-point peace proposal at the White House. This initiative received a warm reception from several Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey.
However, the plan’s most significant flaw is the absence of a concrete guarantee for Palestinian statehood. Given that even Palestine’s closest Muslim allies are praising this plan, questions arise about whether Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have inadvertently weakened the core issue of Palestinian statehood.
Trump targeted nations that recently recognized Palestine during a press conference. He stated that many countries mistakenly recognized Palestine. While his 20-point plan mentions the possibility of a Palestinian state, the language is vague.
The proposal suggests that statehood could become a reality when reconstruction in Gaza progresses and when the Palestinian Authority (PA) implements its reform program honestly. In other words, Gaza’s development and PA reforms are tied to conditions, after which statehood might or might not occur. Netanyahu also mentioned that the issue of a Palestinian state wasn’t discussed during his meeting with Trump, and Trump didn’t emphasize it either. This is why the plan appears to overlook the real question of Palestinian statehood.
Interestingly, this plan has also been praised by regional countries that have traditionally supported Palestine. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that he believes the peace will bring political stability and economic development. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also praised Trump’s efforts. Saudi Arabia and other countries’ foreign ministers issued a joint statement praising Trump’s honest efforts and expressing confidence that he could find a path to peace.
Experts believe that the diplomatic strategies of these countries are now more focused on economic stability and relations with the United States. As a result, the core issue of Palestine gets sidelined. In essence, while Trump’s plan to bring peace to Gaza may provide temporary relief by stopping the violence, it does not provide a solid foundation for the dream of a Palestinian state.
Trump’s plan includes an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the formation of an international peace board. Trump will chair this board, which will also include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The plan includes:
1. An immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
2. Hamas will release all Israeli hostages within 72 hours.
3. Israel will release 250 people serving life sentences in Gaza and 1700 other prisoners.
4. A plan for the development and reform of Gaza will be created and funded.
5. An international security force will be deployed to maintain security in Gaza.
6. Security on the borders of Israel and Egypt will be strengthened.
7. International organizations will monitor aid and security in Gaza.
8. Talks for peace between Israel and Palestine will begin.