Kathmandu – In a significant diplomatic move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a 21-point plan aimed at establishing lasting peace in Gaza.
The proposal, made public by Washington, has already been shared with key Arab and Muslim nations including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
According to AFP, the plan has drawn cautious optimism from regional leaders, many of whom have expressed support while calling for an end to Israeli military operations and occupation efforts in Gaza.
The proposal outlines several core objectives: a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territories, and the smooth flow of humanitarian aid. U.S. officials claim the plan is designed to address the concerns of not just Israel, but of the entire region.
Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, stated that the plan “seeks to bring enduring peace to Gaza by addressing the interests of Israel and its neighbors alike.”
Interestingly, the plan excludes Hamas from any future governance of Gaza. Sources close to the ongoing discussions revealed that the U.S. envisions a new governing structure for the region — one that would not involve the group currently in control of Gaza. Since Hamas’s attack in October 2023, Israel has vowed to eliminate the organization and has ruled out any future engagement with its leadership.
The proposal includes restructuring the Palestinian Authority and creating a new security force, backed by economic support from regional powers. This force, in coordination with Arab and Muslim militaries, would assist in Gaza’s reconstruction and governance.
Those familiar with the plan say it stands apart from previous peace concepts put forward by figures like Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner or former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Meanwhile, Arab and Muslim leaders are pressing for additional assurances. They have demanded that Israel be prevented from expanding settlements in the West Bank or altering the legal and historical status of Jerusalem’s holy sites. Furthermore, they have insisted that there be no displacement of Gaza residents, no obstruction to their return, and no attempts to occupy the territory.
According to Axios, Trump has personally assured leaders that he would not allow Israel to annex parts of the West Bank.
As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of prolonged conflict, this proposal marks a high-profile effort to reset the course — though many hurdles still lie ahead.
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