Trump to Push Proposal for Elusive Gaza Peace in Netanyahu Talks
Today, Donald Trump is set to host Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. This meeting aims to finalize a 21-point peace proposal regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. This meeting is viewed as one that could end nearly two years of war in Gaza.
The talk is a result of rising international pressure on Israel regarding the brutal attacks on Gaza civilians. The world is now criticizing this deepening humanitarian crisis, and there are growing divisions within Israel’s leadership.
Trump Has Described The Moment As Historic
“ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!” he posted on Truth Social Sunday.
In a phone interview with Reuters, he added, “We’re getting a very good response because Bibi wants to make the deal too. Everybody wants to make the deal”.
The proposed framework includes:
- A permanent ceasefire in Gaza
- Release of all hostages held by Hamas
- Disarmament of Hamas
- Deployment of an international stabilization force
- Installation of a transitional technocratic government
- Eventual handover to a reformed Palestinian Authority
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has been floated as a possible head of the transitional authority. However, no formal appointment has been confirmed yet.
Despite Trump’s optimism, Netanyahu has shown little sign of compromise
In a defiant speech at the UN General Assembly last Friday, he vowed to “finish the job” against Hamas and rejected any path to Palestinian statehood.
He said, “I think that the credibility or the likelihood of … a reformed Palestinian Authority that changes completely its stripes, that accepts a Jewish state, that teaches its children to embrace the coexistence and friendship with the Jewish state, rather than living their lives in order to annihilate it … well, good luck,”.
He also condemned recent moves by Britain, France, Canada, and Australia to recognize Palestinian statehood, calling them a “disgraceful decision”. He also warned that such recognition sends the message that “murdering Jews pays off”.
Central to the proposal is the release of 48 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza
Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from their families and a war-weary public. Public opinion polls in Israel show declining support for continued military operations. Israelis, in particular, are not supporting the civilian casualties in Gaza.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the death toll from Israeli strikes has reached 66,005. They also added that over 168,162 people have been injured since October 2023.
Similarly, the World Food Programme estimates that, in just the past month alone, between 350,000 and 400,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City.
Four health facilities have shut down in Gaza City this month. Besides this, according to the World Health Organization reports, malnutrition centers are closing due to a lack of aid.
Arab Support and Regional Tensions
According to Mr. Trump, this plan is backed by multiple Middle Eastern states, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. So if the dialogue is successful, credit goes to these states as well.
“It’s called peace in the Middle East, more than Gaza. Gaza is a part of it. But it’s peace in the Middle East,” he said.
However, tensions remain as it is. Israel’s September 9 airstrike on Hamas leaders in Doha angered Qatar and drew criticism from Trump himself. The proposal reportedly includes a clause barring further Israeli attacks on Qatari soil.
As Netanyahu negotiates in Washington, settler leaders press him from home
Israel Gantz and Yossi Dagan urged him to push for West Bank annexation, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Dagan warned that the peace plan risks “signing off on the establishment of a Palestinian state,” which he called “the next October 7”.
Netanyahu responded cautiously, “We must navigate a complex reality,” he told them, promising to raise their concerns with Trump.
What’s at Stake?
This is Netanyahu’s fourth visit to the White House since Trump returned to office in January. The Israeli leader is seeking to preserve his country’s most vital alliance amid growing isolation. Delegates walked out during his UN speech last week, signaling a shift in global sentiment.
For Trump, the stakes are equally high. He has long claimed he could solve the Gaza conflict “in days.” Today’s meeting may determine whether that claim holds, or whether the elusive peace remains just out of reach.
