US Unveils Ambitious 21-Point Gaza Peace Plan, Signaling New Diplomatic Push
A comprehensive 21-point peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza and establishing a pathway to a future Palestinian state has been unveiled by the United States. This significant initiative, spearheaded by former US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, was presented to Arab and Muslim leaders in New York, marking a renewed diplomatic push on the global stage. The plan details immediate steps for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Key Pillars of the Proposed Peace Accord
At the heart of the US-backed proposal lies a multi-stage framework designed to achieve lasting stability. A critical component is the immediate release of all Israeli hostages, encompassing both the living and deceased, within 48 hours of an agreement. This exchange would be accompanied by a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. In parallel, the plan calls for the liberation of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, with reports indicating that between 100 and 200 individuals serving life sentences would be released.
The proposal also strongly advocates for the disarmament of Hamas and the transformation of Gaza into a region free from terror activities. A key provision offers amnesty to Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence, encouraging Gazans to remain in the Strip and explicitly ruling out forced displacement.
Establishing a New Governance and Reconstruction Paradigm
A central tenet of the peace plan is the establishment of a new governance structure for Gaza, designed to exclude Hamas from any role in its administration. This vision includes the deployment of a temporary international stabilization force, comprising Palestinian and troops from Arab and Muslim countries, tasked with overseeing security and training a future Palestinian police force. Day-to-day administration would initially be managed by a Palestinian committee operating under the Palestinian Authority (PA), with the long-term objective of the PA assuming complete oversight after undergoing necessary reforms. Complementing these governance changes, the plan outlines a substantial five-year reconstruction program for Gaza, to be financed by Arab and Muslim states and managed by a consortium of international and Arab entities.
Evolving US Policy and International Responses
The unveiling of this 21-point plan represents a significant policy evolution for the United States, particularly under the Trump administration. It marks a departure from previous suggestions of a potential US takeover of Gaza or the relocation of its population. Furthermore, the explicit inclusion of a roadmap towards a future Palestinian state contrasts with the administration’s prior reluctance to formally endorse a two-state solution.
Internationally, the proposal has garnered considerable attention and debate. Reports suggest general support from Arab and Muslim leaders, though some reservations have been noted. A recent poll indicates stronger support for the plan among Israeli opposition voters compared to coalition voters. The plan is slated for presentation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Conversely, Hamas has previously rejected claims concerning its willingness to disarm.
This developing situation is a prominent feature of trending global news, with ongoing diplomatic endeavors focused on securing enduring peace in the region.
