Trump-Netanyahu’s plan aimed at ‘dignified’ exit from Gaza war
US President Donald Trump has recently floated a proposal to end the war in Gaza, a blueprint that has stirred a wide range of reactions — from conditional approval to outright criticism.
The plan, set out in around 20 points, calls for an immediate ceasefire, the exchange of hostages and release of prisoners, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the handover of temporary governance to an international transitional authority under a “Peace Council” led by Trump with figures such as Tony Blair on board. It also envisages the disarmament of Hamas, large-scale international aid for reconstruction, economic investment, and conditions for the return of displaced residents.
Crucially, the proposal postpones recognition of key Palestinian demands, including the creation of an independent state, to later stages and ties it to reforms by the Palestinian Authority. Trump, however, has warned that if Hamas refuses to sign on, Israel — with full US backing — will be free to press ahead with military action.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he accepts the plan but with certain caveats. Several Arab and Muslim countries, including Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, and the UAE, issued a joint statement framing the proposal as an opening for peace. The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank welcomed efforts to end the war and declared readiness to take part within the framework of reforms.
Hamas, for its part, stressed it had no role in drafting the plan and flatly rejected the clauses on disarmament. Other Palestinian factions such as the Islamic Jihad branded the blueprint a “recipe to blow up the region.” Meanwhile, some observers warn it could ultimately boil down to legitimizing Israeli occupation.
Against the stated backdrop, Iran Daily spoke with Middle East expert Jafar Qannadbashi.
IRAN DAILY: Does Trump’s plan serve Palestinian interests or is it designed mainly to favor Israel?
QANNADBASHI: First, the goals of Trump and Netanyahu must be spelled out before we can assess whether the plan solves anything. Trump’s objectives are twofold: to block spontaneous initiatives by states or popular movements pushing for a Palestinian state, and to stage a “dignified end” to the Gaza war.
After Palestine’s admission as a full UN member and the groundswell of global public support for Palestinian statehood, both Trump and Netanyahu fear that regional governments, Hamas, or even grassroots movements might suddenly declare a state for Gaza. To head off such a scenario, they came up with this plan. The [Tony] Blair component, too, looks like an emergency measure aimed at derailing such grassroots momentum. In other words, Trump wants to prevent the emergence of any formal or quasi-state arrangement for Palestine. For that reason alone, the plan is bound to fail.
The second point is that the two-year Gaza war has inflicted enormous damage on America’s reputation. Israel is under heavy pressure, yet remains stuck where it started. Despite the massacres and the heavy cost of war, it has not managed to free its hostages. A handful were killed, a few were released, but the core issue is unresolved. The Israeli regime can no longer sustain this conflict, as casualties mount daily. The US is equally unable to stand up to mounting international protests; its image has been badly tarnished and is in urgent need of repair. This plan is meant to pave the way for an honourable exit from the war.
Naturally, any plan put forward by Netanyahu or Trump will not serve Palestinians. They have killed as many as they could, and any proposal they table is a continuation of the same pressure and bloodshed. This is not a genuine rescue plan for Palestine.
Given the positive noises from some Arab states and Palestinian groups, can it be said a regional consensus is emerging in support of the plan — or is it facing strong resistance?
Absolutely not. Some dependent governments may put on a show of support, but the plan on its own won’t fly. A few may think accepting a political authority for Palestine prevents its outright elimination, framing it as the “lesser evil.” Recall that Trump once advocated the mass expulsion of Gazans, and Netanyahu said the same. So, some might see this plan as preferable to wholesale removal.
Page 3