Trump has said there is “a real chance for greatness in the Middle East,” as reports point to a 21-point plan aimed at ending the Gaza war and shaping the region’s future. The proposal, which includes a ceasefire, hostage releases and a roadmap for Gaza, is expected to be discussed with Netanyahu at the White House on Monday.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday said there is “a real chance for greatness in the Middle East,” without providing further details, days after claiming he was close to a deal to end the war in Gaza.
Reports suggest a 21-point plan for Gaza’s future is under discussion.
“We have a real chance for Greatness in the Middle East. All are on board for something special, first time ever. We will get it done,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, offering no specifics.
Earlier, he had said a breakthrough on Gaza was imminent, claiming negotiators were close to finalising an agreement to secure hostages’ release and end the war.
The US President is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday at the White House to discuss a framework for a deal, according to officials.
Trump’s 21-point peace plan
Trump has proposed a 21-point plan for Gaza and the wider Middle East. Reports suggest the plan calls for an immediate halt to all military operations in Gaza as the first step towards ending the war.
The Washington Post, citing officials from two governments, said that if both sides agree, current “battle lines” would be frozen, and 20 living hostages, along with the remains of more than two dozen others, could be released within 48 hours.
Al-Arabiya reported that the plan will be presented to Netanyahu during his White House visit.
Humanitarian impact of the conflict
The conflict, now nearly two years old, has pushed Israeli forces deep into Gaza City, which Israel describes as the “last stronghold of Hamas.” Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports that 65,502 people have been killed since 7 October 2023.
Israel’s offensive has caused widespread destruction, displacing around 90% of Gaza’s population and triggering a severe humanitarian crisis.
Key elements of the US proposal
The Trump-led US administration’s plan calls for all hostages held by Hamas to be released within 48 hours of an agreement, CNN reported. It also sets out a roadmap for Gaza after the war.
Reports indicate that the US shared the plan with a handful of Arab and Muslim countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last week.
The proposal includes recognition of a Palestinian state, the release of hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Hamas, however, would not have any role in Gaza’s future government, according to reports.
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