Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has agreed to a 20-point peace proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump, aimed at ending the nearly two-year-long conflict in Gaza. The proposal, which has been welcomed by several Arab and European countries, as well as the Palestinian Authority, seeks to bring an end to the war and advance peace in the Middle East.
According to diplomatic sources, Hamas’s negotiating team is currently studying the plan, although it remains unclear whether the militant group will accept its terms. The proposal includes an immediate ceasefire, an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the disarmament of Hamas. Additionally, it suggests the establishment of a transitional government led by an international body, without requiring the displacement of people from Gaza.
Netanyahu described the proposal as an important step towards ending the war, stating that it achieves Israel’s war aims, including the release of hostages, the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. Trump, speaking at a joint press conference with Netanyahu, expressed optimism that a peace deal for the Palestinian enclave is within reach, saying that they are “beyond very close” to an agreement.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant loss of life, with over 1,200 people killed and 251 hostages taken by Hamas-led fighters in an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In the ensuing Israeli assault, more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health authorities. The US president warned Hamas that if it refuses the deal, Israel will have Washington’s full backing to “finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas.”
The proposal’s success hinges on Hamas’s acceptance, and the international community is watching closely to see how the situation will unfold. With the plan’s emphasis on a ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and disarmament, it represents a significant attempt to bring peace to the region. The next steps will be crucial in determining the outcome of the proposal and the future of the conflict in Gaza.
