President Donald Trump has just dropped a bombshell of a peace plan for Gaza that’s got Arab allies nodding in approval, according to The New York Post.
Announced on Saturday, this 21-point blueprint aims to end the conflict, free Israeli hostages, rebuild Gaza, and carve a path to Palestinian statehood—all while keeping Hamas far from any seat of power.
Let’s rewind to earlier this week when Trump first shared this ambitious proposal with key Arab and Muslim allies, followed by a presentation to broader allies at the United Nations on Tuesday.
The plan hasn’t yet reached Hamas, which might be for the best given their track record. After all, this isn’t about appeasing terror; it’s about rebuilding a region.
One of the plan’s sharpest demands is the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas within 48 hours of any signed deal. That’s not a suggestion—it’s a non-negotiable line in the sand, and rightly so. If peace is the goal, step one is freeing the innocent.
Equally bold is the outright ban on Hamas in any governing role in Gaza, paired with offers of amnesty for members who embrace peaceful coexistence and safe passage for those who choose to leave.
It’s a pragmatic carrot-and-stick approach, though one wonders if those who’ve sown chaos will suddenly play nice. Still, the option to return for those who depart shows a fair hand.
Then there’s the push to deradicalize Gaza, a tall order in a region steeped in conflict, but a necessary one if lasting stability is the aim. Trump’s vision isn’t just about ceasefires; it’s about changing the cultural undercurrents. That’s the kind of long-game thinking often missing in these debates.
The plan also commits to ending all fighting and revitalizing Gaza with aid levels at least matching those set in a January 2025 hostage agreement.
A temporary government, overseen by an international coalition including the U.S., Arab nations, and European partners, would steer this effort. It’s a refreshing rejection of the usual bureaucratic gridlock.
This coalition would also craft a new economic strategy for Gaza, complete with reduced tariffs for a special economic zone. Add to that a stabilization force backed by the U.S. and Arab allies, plus regional security guarantees to keep Hamas in check, and you’ve got a framework that’s as much about prosperity as it is about peace.
Israel, for its part, would withdraw its Defense Forces from Gaza over time, release significant Palestinian prisoners, and pledge not to annex or occupy the territory.
Even a commitment not to strike Qatar again—after a recent incident rattled Middle East allies—shows a diplomatic nod to regional sensitivities. It’s a balancing act, but one that prioritizes stability over endless escalation.
“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Nope, I will not allow it,” Trump declared to reporters on Friday. That’s a firm stance against expansionist pressures from some Israeli officials, proving this plan isn’t just a blank check for any one side.
Yet, challenges loom large with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who vowed on Friday to keep fighting until Hamas is eradicated, even as Israel intensifies its offensive in Gaza City. Trump is set to discuss the plan with Netanyahu at the White House on Monday.
Recent Israeli actions, including a confirmed ground invasion of Gaza City last week, underscore the urgency of this proposal. The conflict isn’t cooling on its own, and while some might call for endless military solutions, Trump’s plan dares to imagine a different path. It’s not naive—it’s strategic.
European allies like France have signaled optimism, with their president suggesting unity among Americans, Arabs, and Europeans could yield real results. That’s no small feat in a world where consensus on Middle East issues is rarer than a unicorn sighting. Maybe, just maybe, this could be a turning point.
The plan’s emphasis on redevelopment—think Gaza as a revitalized hub rather than a perpetual war zone—marks a shift from Trump’s earlier February 2025 musings about temporarily relocating Palestinians to make it a “Riviera of the Middle East.” It’s less flashy now, more grounded, focusing on sustainable growth over glitzy promises. That’s a pivot worth noting.