Egypt’s Foreign Minister has revealed that his nation is collaborating closely with Qatar and Turkey to persuade Hamas to accept a peace proposal put forth by former U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at ending the protracted conflict in Gaza that has lasted nearly two years. He cautioned that rejecting this plan could lead to a significant escalation in hostilities.
Addressing an audience at the French Institute of International Relations in Paris, Badr Abdelatty emphasized the necessity for Hamas to disarm, warning that Israel should not be given any justification to continue its military operations in Gaza.
“We must avoid providing any pretext for one side to exploit Hamas as a reason for the relentless daily civilian casualties. The situation has deteriorated far beyond the events of October 7,” he stated, referencing the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,129 fatalities according to Israeli sources.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, Israel’s ongoing offensive has claimed over 66,000 lives in Gaza, predominantly women and children, though independent analysts suggest the death toll may be substantially higher.
“This is no longer about retaliation; it has escalated into ethnic cleansing and genocide. The time to act is now,” Abdelatty asserted.
Earlier this week, the White House introduced a comprehensive 20-point framework calling for an immediate ceasefire, a prisoner exchange involving captives held by Hamas and Palestinian detainees in Israel, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a transitional government overseen by an international coalition.
Trump set a deadline of three to four days for Hamas to accept this proposal.
While Palestinians are eager for an end to the conflict, many view the plan as disproportionately favoring Israel. A Hamas representative conveyed to The Associated Press that certain aspects of the proposal were unacceptable, though specifics were not disclosed.
Historically, Hamas has demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal from the besieged Gaza Strip and sought a lasting ceasefire, including assurances that displaced families, especially those from northern Gaza where Israeli military pressure is intensifying, can safely return to their homes.
Critical Gaps Remain to Be Addressed
Qatar and Egypt, pivotal mediators in the peace process, have indicated that the Trump plan requires further negotiation on several key points.
Abdelatty explained that Egypt is working in tandem with Qatar and Turkey to encourage Hamas to accept the proposal, though he expressed cautious optimism.
“Should Hamas decline, the situation will become far more complicated, likely leading to increased violence. This is why we are dedicating significant efforts to ensure the plan’s feasibility and secure Hamas’s agreement,” he remarked.
While generally endorsing Trump’s vision for Gaza, Abdelatty acknowledged the need for additional dialogue.
“There are numerous unresolved issues that demand further discussion, particularly concerning governance and security arrangements. We support the overarching goal of the Trump plan to end the conflict and are committed to advancing it,” he said.
When questioned about concerns that the plan might result in forced displacement of Palestinians, Abdelatty firmly rejected such outcomes.
“Displacement is unacceptable as it would signify the demise of the Palestinian cause. Egypt will oppose any such measures under all circumstances,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the White House expressed confidence that Hamas would accept the proposal, warning that failure to do so could trigger consequences.
Since the onset of Israel’s campaign in Gaza, the U.S. has frequently promoted Israel-backed initiatives that lack Palestinian endorsement, often attributing the stalemate to Hamas’s refusal to cooperate.
“The president will have to establish a clear boundary, and I am confident he will,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also urged Hamas to embrace the plan.
“We call on Hamas to comply with the proposal, release all remaining hostages, and disarm. The EU appeals to all influential parties to convey this message to Hamas,” her office stated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to back the plan, contingent on it facilitating a two-state solution.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot declared that Hamas “has been defeated.”
The proposal offers amnesty to Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and disarmament, while those wishing to leave Gaza would be granted safe passage to third countries.
“Hamas holds significant responsibility for the suffering endured by Palestinians,” Barrot told AFP. “It must accept its defeat.”
Analysts caution that this approach mirrors previous Western efforts to reshape the Middle East without meaningful local participation.
Political commentator Xavier Abu Eid told Al Jazeera, “This agreement resembles past strategies used in Iraq, which ultimately failed.”
He highlighted concerns over the involvement of figures like Tony Blair, whose controversial role in the 2003 Iraq war casts a shadow over the proposal’s reception in the region.
“Introducing foreign actors led by individuals with contentious histories in our region, such as Blair, does not inspire confidence or enthusiasm,” Abu Eid added.
