US President Donald Trump is set to present a fresh peace initiative aimed at ending the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict during a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
Trump has expressed optimism about the prospects of a breakthrough, telling reporters on Friday, “I thin k we have a deal.” However, Netanyahu tempered expectations, stating on Sunday that the agreement had yet to be finalized, while Hamas confirmed they had not formally received the proposal.
Leaked details of the plan indicate that it calls for the release of all hostages within 48 hours of the deal being confirmed. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences. Hamas members who commit to peace would be granted amnesty and safe passage out of Gaza, with all military structures dismantled and no future political role in the territory.
The proposal also outlines a gradual withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza, which would then be overseen by an interim transitional government. Unlike previous plans by the Trump administration that suggested relocating Gaza’s population, the latest approach encourages Palestinians to remain in the Strip. It also acknowledges aspirations for a future Palestinian state, with the Palestinian Authority potentially resuming governance after implementing reforms.
This initiative represents a significant shift from Netanyahu’s earlier positions, including his public opposition to a Palestinian state, which he described as “corrupt to its core.” Even if persuaded by Trump, Netanyahu faces challenges convincing hardline elements within his coalition, particularly ultranationalist ministers, to accept the terms. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has rejected any plan referencing a Palestinian state or giving the Palestinian Authority a governing role, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir insists a war-ending deal requires the “decisive defeat of Hamas.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid has voiced support for a negotiated settlement, assuring US officials that Netanyahu would have backing for a hostage deal and an end to the conflict. Opinion polls suggest growing pressure on the Israeli prime minister from both the public and the families of the 48 remaining hostages in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Trump has reportedly expressed frustration with Israel, citing recent airstrikes on Qatar targeting Hamas leaders, and reiterated that he will oppose any annexation of the West Bank. During the UN General Assembly, Trump met with Middle Eastern leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, calling it his “most important meeting” of the day. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed cautious optimism, saying, “We’re hopeful and, I might say, even confident that in the coming days we’ll be able to announce some sort of breakthrough.”
Trump also signaled his determination on social media over the weekend: “We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!”
The Israeli military launched operations in Gaza following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Since then, at least 65,549 fatalities have been reported in Gaza according to Hamas-run health authorities. In recent months, UN bodies have highlighted severe humanitarian crises, including famine in Gaza City, while a UN inquiry concluded Israel had committed genocide—a claim Israel vehemently denies.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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