A joint address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former US President Donald Trump from the White House is imminent. The leaders met earlier in the Oval Office to discuss a potential ceasefire in Gaza. During their discussions, Netanyahu extended an apology to Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, via a phone call. The apology related to Israeli actions involving airstrikes targeting Hamas officials in Qatar on September 9th.
Trump has put forth a comprehensive 21-point peace plan. The core components of this plan entail the release of all hostages held by Hamas within two days and a phased withdrawal of Israeli military presence from the Gaza Strip. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of over 66,000 Palestinians. Currently, approximately 48 individuals are believed to be held captive by Hamas, with Israel estimating that around 20 of them are still alive.
The key elements of Trump’s Gaza peace proposal include:
* Immediate release of all hostages upon ceasefire.
* Establishment of a sustained and permanent ceasefire.
* A phased and gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
* The release of 250 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment and 2,000 other detainees.
* Formation of a new government in Gaza that excludes Hamas, including participation from the Palestinian Authority, Arab nations, and international bodies.
* The creation of a technocratic (non-political) Palestinian government in Gaza.
* The formation of a new security force, made up of soldiers from Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim countries.
* Securing financial support from Arab and Muslim countries for the reconstruction and administration of Gaza.
* A limited role for the Palestinian Authority in the new government structure.
* The disarmament of Hamas and the destruction of heavy weaponry and underground tunnels.
* Offering amnesty and permitting Hamas members who cease violence to remain in Gaza.
* Providing safe passage for Hamas members unwilling to renounce violence.