Leaders from the Middle East and Europe have cautiously endorsed Donald Trump’s comprehensive 20-point proposal aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict, though skepticism persists among many within the region.
Unveiled on Monday by Trump alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the initiative outlines an immediate ceasefire, a prisoner exchange involving Hamas-held hostages and Palestinian detainees in Israel, a phased Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a transitional government overseen by an international coalition.
However, by Tuesday morning, Netanyahu began retracting parts of the agreement, particularly the clause promising a full Israeli military exit from Gaza, stating instead that Israeli forces “will maintain a presence in most of Gaza.”
Despite these reservations, the plan stands as the sole US-endorsed framework to halt what a recent UN investigation described as ongoing genocide. It received tentative approval from key regional players including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt, all expressing willingness to collaborate with Washington to facilitate its execution.
Nonetheless, Hamas’s exclusion from the negotiation process and the plan’s insistence that the group relinquish control over Gaza cast significant doubt on its feasibility. Analysts and Gaza residents alike emphasize that without Hamas’s buy-in, the proposal’s success remains uncertain.
Ibrahim Joudeh, speaking from southern Gaza, told AFP, “This plan is clearly impractical. It imposes conditions that both the US and Israel know Hamas will never accept. For us, this means the conflict and suffering will persist.”
Similarly, Abu Mazen Nassar expressed disillusionment: “This is mere manipulation. What guarantee is there that handing over prisoners will end the war? Hamas has abandoned us and trapped us in the chaos it created.”
The proposal also garnered support from some US allies who recently recognized Palestine’s independence. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Hamas to accept the plan and “put an end to the suffering,” while French President Emmanuel Macron insisted Hamas must “comply with this framework.”
Even Spain, known for its critical stance on Israel’s military actions, welcomed the initiative and called on both parties to commit to peace.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen encouraged “all stakeholders to seize this opportunity,” and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a staunch supporter of Israel, described the plan as the “most promising path” to conclude the conflict.
Veteran diplomats from the Obama and Biden administrations also viewed the proposal favorably. Brett McGurk, formerly with the US National Security Council, remarked that with Israel and a coalition of Arab and Muslim nations backing the plan, “international pressure must now focus squarely on Hamas.”
Dan Shapiro, Obama’s former ambassador to Israel, acknowledged that while details remain to be finalized, Trump’s blueprint is “credible,” adding, “The next critical step is securing Hamas’s acceptance, which will require significant influence from Qatar and Turkey.”
Central to the plan is the creation of a transitional authority, supervised by an international “peace board” chaired by Donald Trump, which would govern Gaza until the Palestinian Authority completes a reform agenda.
The Palestinian Authority, which nominally administers the West Bank, welcomed the initiative and called for a comprehensive agreement that would establish a “just peace based on a two-state solution.”
However, the inclusion of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair on the peace board sparked controversy. Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative, criticized the choice, stating, “We have already endured British colonialism.” He added, “Mentioning Tony Blair immediately brings to mind the Iraq war, which left a lasting negative impression here.”
In Israel, cautious optimism is emerging that the nearly two-year conflict might finally be nearing resolution.
In Tel Aviv, where demonstrations demanding an end to hostilities and the release of hostages have intensified, Inbar Hayman expressed hope tempered by fear of disappointment: “I want to believe, but I’m afraid of being let down again.”
Gal Goren, who lost his parents in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, shared, “We were relieved to hear Trump’s words. It felt like he acknowledged our pain and our calls to end the war and bring the hostages home.”
Meanwhile, in Gaza, less than 75 kilometers south, where Israeli strikes reportedly killed at least 30 people on Monday, some residents dared to hold onto hope.
Anas Sorour, a 31-year-old vendor, told AFP, “Despite all the loss and hardship, I still believe this war won’t last forever. This time, I’m genuinely hopeful that peace will bring relief and joy to replace our sorrow.”
Yet, after nearly two years of conflict and numerous failed ceasefire attempts, skepticism remains widespread.
Mohammed al-Beltaji, 47, from Gaza City, summed up the prevailing sentiment: “It’s always the same-Israel agrees, Hamas refuses, or vice versa. It’s a political game, and we, the people, bear the consequences.”
