President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel gathered at the White House on Monday for crucial talks on U.S.-backed peace proposals aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict. The atmosphere in the State Dining Room was noticeably tense, with journalists awaiting what promised to be an unpredictable joint news conference. The White House had just distributed a lengthy plan to end the Gaza conflict, sparking immediate buzz and conversation among the media.
The Trump Peace Plan and Hamas’s Rejection
Key details of President Trump’s peace plan stipulate that Hamas must relinquish any role in the governance of Gaza, whether direct or indirect. The plan also mandates the complete destruction and non-reconstruction of all military and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities. However, Hamas has consistently refused to disarm, viewing its weapons as legitimate tools in its struggle against Israel. A senior Hamas official, Taher al-Nounou, confirmed that the group had not been consulted on the evolving plan and would not agree to its demands for demilitarization, highlighting a significant hurdle to any potential resolution.
Diplomatic Maneuvers and Internal Pressures
Adding another layer to the complex diplomatic landscape, Prime Minister Netanyahu apologized to Qatar during a three-way call that included President Trump and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The apology was for an Israeli missile strike against Hamas targets in the Qatari capital that regrettably resulted in the death of a Qatari service member. Netanyahu pledged that Israel would not repeat such an attack. This apology, however, drew swift condemnation from far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s government. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich labeled it a ‘disgrace,’ while Itamar Ben-Gvir defended the Israeli action as ‘important, right and moral.’ Meanwhile, a delegation of Qatari officials was in Washington for sensitive diplomatic discussions aimed at brokering a deal between Israel and Hamas, a role Qatar has historically played alongside Egypt. Analysts are closely watching whether President Trump can exert sufficient pressure on Netanyahu, or if the Israeli leader will employ his characteristic ‘yes, but’ approach, accepting the plan in principle while seeking significant revisions, a move for which he is well-known. Netanyahu faces considerable pressure from his right-wing coalition partners, who insist on a permanent Israeli military presence in Gaza and no involvement for the Palestinian Authority in its governance.
Broader Proposals for Postwar Gaza Governance
Several new proposals are circulating to end the fighting and establish a system of postwar governance for Gaza. This year’s U.N. General Assembly saw extensive debate on these issues. Beyond the Trump plan, two other significant proposals have emerged:
The Blair Plan
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has put forth a proposal for a ‘Gaza International Transitional Authority.’ This UN-mandated administration would include a multinational security force to stabilize the region, ensure border security, prevent the resurgence of armed groups, and disrupt weapons smuggling. The plan also seeks to address Palestinian fears of permanent displacement by guaranteeing the right of return for those who leave Gaza. While Hamas is not directly mentioned in the document, it suggests a limited role for the Palestinian Authority, which is considered more moderate and cooperates with Israel on security. The proposal advocates for significant reforms within the Palestinian Authority, particularly regarding its security practices, and aims for decisions consistent with the eventual unification of all Palestinian territory under the PA.
The French-Saudi Plan (New York Declaration)
A third initiative, known as the ‘New York Declaration,’ championed by France and Saudi Arabia, has garnered broad international support. This plan calls for Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the deployment of a UN-organized international security force. It explicitly bans Hamas from governing Gaza and requires the group to surrender its weapons to the Palestinian Authority. Postwar Gaza would be managed by a transitional committee of technocrats operating under the Palestinian Authority’s umbrella, with elections to be held within a year of a ceasefire.
Hostage Families’ Urgent Appeal
Amid these complex negotiations, the families of Israeli hostages hold desperate hope that the White House meeting will lead to the immediate release of their loved ones from Gaza. Although many hostages have been returned, approximately 20 are believed to still be alive from the more than 200 seized in the 2023 Hamas-led attack. Many families are imploring President Trump to compel Netanyahu to accept an agreement, fearing that continued Israeli military actions in Gaza City could jeopardize the lives of the remaining captives. Ilana Gritzewsky, a freed hostage, made an emotional appeal to Trump, stating, ‘President Trump, you have the power to end the war and bring all the hostages home.’