Netanyahu accepts Trump's peace plan: Opportunity for Gaza?

Netanyahu accepts Trump's peace plan: Opportunity for Gaza?

Those responsible in Washington are celebrating because Israel has accepted US President Donald Trump's peace plan to end the Gaza war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the announcement during a meeting with Trump, where he expressed his full support for the concept. Lippewelle reports that Hamas has received the proposal from Qatari and Egyptian mediators and now plans to examine it.

The reactions from Europe are consistently positive. Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul sees the plan as a “unique opportunity” to end the conflict and calls on Hamas to pave the way to peace. He emphasizes that the plan offers “hope for hundreds of thousands of people suffering in Gaza.” French President Emmanuel Macron goes further, calling on Hamas to release all hostages and follow the plan, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls on all sides to cooperate with the US government. Tagesschau reports that the EU states have also signaled their willingness to support the plan.

The 20-point plan

The plan presented by Trump includes 20 key points. This includes an immediate end to the fighting and the withdrawal of the Israeli military to a previously agreed line. The repatriation of all hostages is to occur within 72 hours of Israeli consent, and Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners. Comprehensive aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip are also planned, which will begin once the plan is adopted. The restoration of water and electricity supplies and the repair of hospitals are considered urgent. Lippewelle reports that the basic living conditions for the population in the Gaza Strip should be improved.

Another crucial point is the role of Hamas: it will no longer be involved in the administration of the Gaza Strip, and an amnesty is promised for members who give up their weapons. Netanyahu has also made it clear that the Palestinian Authority cannot play a role in the Gaza Strip without fundamental reforms. Can Hamas accept the plan? So far there is a lack of clarity, particularly with regard to their previous rejection of disarmament. The daily news also notes that Trump's vision of transforming Gaza into a "Middle Eastern Riviera" has met with international criticism.

International perspectives and reactions

The support within Israel is remarkable: opposition politicians emphasize the opportunity to rescue hostages and ensure the country's security. The Israeli Hostage Families Forum even describes the plan as “historic” and calls for more pressure on Hamas to seize the opportunity for peace. At the same time, the Palestinian Authority shows a willingness to reform and welcomes Trump's efforts, which raises new hopes for cooperation. Wikipedia informs us about the long history of the Middle East peace process and the challenges that remain.

Looking back, we see that the Middle East peace process is characterized by numerous diplomatic efforts that spanned decades and were repeatedly interrupted by violent clashes. However, the fundamental question remains: Will this new plan actually heal the wounds and pave the way to peace? The international community, including the UN, sees itself as responsible and is offering its support for humanitarian aid to improve the situation on the ground.