Today's Edition
Shamma Al Qutbah
The writer is a researcher at TRENDS Research & Advisory
Diplomacy has regained its momentum after a period of stagnation, in efforts to end the war on Gaza and set a path toward regional stability. At present, we are closer to peace than to war, based on a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.
The plan was developed in consultation with influential Arab and Islamic powers in the region, as well as with the Israeli side. So far, the indicators appear positive, running parallel to negotiations that could yield a roadmap to end two years of war and its repercussions on the Middle East.
The aspects of “Trump’s Plan” are multifaceted - ranging from ending the war to rebuilding Gaza for the benefit of its residents.
All parties agreeing on the plan would mean a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of Israeli prisoners (both alive and deceased), as well as hundreds of Palestinians detained in Israel, and the cessation of all military operations.
Israel would not occupy Gaza, humanitarian aid would resume in reasonable quantities under the supervision of the United Nations, and infrastructure, hospitals, and bakeries would be rehabilitated. Equipment necessary for debris removal would be provided, along with an economic development plan to rebuild and revitalise Gaza.
Regarding Gaza’s future governance, the plan proposes a temporary transitional administration consisting of a non-political Palestinian technocratic committee responsible for delivering public and municipal services to Gaza residents, under the supervision of an international transitional body led by the US president.
Members of Hamas would be allowed to live peacefully and disarm, with a safe corridor provided for those wishing to leave Gaza for other countries. Regional partners would ensure that Hamas and other Palestinian factions comply with their commitments and that Gaza does not pose a threat to its neighbours or its own people in the future.
No one in Gaza would be forced to leave. Arab states would participate in establishing a temporary international stabilisation force to deploy immediately in the Strip and assist in training and supporting Palestinian police forces.
The plan also includes implementing a reform programme for the Palestinian Authority to pave the way toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood, alongside launching an interfaith dialogue initiative based on values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence - aimed at changing perceptions among Palestinians and Israelis and reinforcing the benefits of dialogue and peace.
Although Hamas and other Palestinian factions are expected to reject the plan, their response included accepting certain points while postponing others for further negotiation. Ambiguities remain regarding the disarmament of Palestinian factions to clear Gaza of weapons, as Hamas had previously rejected such proposals, and over the phased Israeli withdrawal, given that Palestinian factions demand a full and immediate withdrawal from the Strip.
Despite the lack of clarity on certain details, Hamas agreed to hand over the administration of Gaza to a Palestinian technocratic authority and to enter negotiations for the release of all hostages.
As for Gaza’s future and Palestinian rights, Hamas considered these matters part of a unified national Palestinian stance. The US president praised Hamas’ position, while the Israeli army announced its readiness to implement the first phase of the plan amid international approval.
Trump’s plan has re-energised the situation after hopes for ending the war had faded. Between the partial acceptance of the plan by Palestinian factions and the return of negotiations over its details, coupled with Arab and Islamic support, the end of the war in Gaza and the establishment of a future for the devastated Strip now seem within reach.
Even if negotiations swing back and forth, initiating a political process with guarantees against displacement and occupation, ensuring sufficient humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and economic development in Gaza brings renewed hope to Palestinians who had lost it during the war. The decisive arena is now the negotiating table - not the battlefield.
In conclusion, it appears that the war may soon come to an end. The United States is pushing in that direction, given the immense human cost of the conflict and the growing international movement to halt it - especially amid active Arab and Islamic diplomacy and increasing recognition of the State of Palestine by Western and Israeli-allied countries.
The prevailing sentiment in international circles stresses the urgent need to end the war and its tragedy, as continued fighting promises no tangible gains beyond what has already occurred - only more losses for all sides involved.
