A dramatic moment unfolded in Washington when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio interrupted a televised meeting chaired by President Donald Trump. Rubio delivered a message that necessitated Trump’s immediate departure to address urgent issues in the Middle East. Trump announced, “They’re going to need me… I have to go now to try to solve some problems in the Middle East.”
Following three days of indirect talks in Egypt, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a broader peace plan envisioned by Donald Trump. Mediators from Qatar and Egypt facilitated discussions between the Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, who were accommodated on separate floors of a hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh. To bolster the talks and apply pressure on Israel, Trump dispatched his son-in-law Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff, while Qatar’s prime minister and intelligence chiefs from Egypt and Turkey engaged with the Hamas delegation.
This agreement marks a significant breakthrough, though it does not signal the immediate end of the war. It represents the first tangible possibility of halting the horrors that have plagued the region for the past two years, dating back to the Hamas attacks on Israel.
The current plan outlines a ceasefire followed by the release of remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The Israeli military is set to withdraw from its positions, relinquishing control over approximately 53% of Gaza, according to the government spokesperson. Israel has also committed to easing restrictions on humanitarian aid, allowing 400 lorry loads per day to enter Gaza, to be distributed by UN agencies.
While the contentious Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is not mentioned in Trump’s 20-point plan, the agreement is a crucial first step. However, further negotiations are required to fully end the conflict, with the Trump plan serving as a framework that leaves many details to be resolved. Significant obstacles still lie ahead.
The conflict has intensified, with Israel reportedly causing extensive damage and loss of life in Gaza. Israel’s international standing has also diminished, facing widespread criticism from European allies like the UK and France, who have recognized a Palestinian state. The recent Israeli strike in Doha, targeting Hamas leadership without prior U.S. notification, reportedly angered Trump, highlighting the delicate geopolitical dynamics at play.
The failure of President Biden’s earlier peace proposal in May 2024, which was similar in scope, suggests that the timing and approach are critical. Trump’s willingness to leverage U.S. influence appears to have been more effective in bringing Netanyahu to the negotiating table. While Biden expressed concerns, he did not fundamentally alter U.S. support for Israel, allowing Netanyahu to maintain a strong stance. Trump, conversely, has conditioned his support on reciprocal concessions.
The attack on Doha on September 9th, which narrowly missed senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, added a layer of urgency. Al-Hayya, now leading the Hamas delegation, is seen as a key figure in the ongoing negotiations. Trump’s response to the incident, which involved forcing Netanyahu to issue a public apology, underscores the complex relationships and the strategic importance of Qatar as a U.S. ally.
The war’s continuation has eroded Israeli support among Americans, according to recent polls, potentially empowering the U.S. to take a firmer stance against Israeli government objections. Simultaneously, European nations have voiced strong disapproval of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, further isolating Israel.
The Doha incident also galvanized Arab and Muslim-majority countries, prompting a unified appeal to Donald Trump to broker a deal. For the Trump plan to succeed in ending the war, sustained U.S. pressure on Israel will be essential.
Benjamin Netanyahu faces internal pressure from nationalist allies who favor continued military action. The future role of wealthy Gulf states in Gaza’s reconstruction and the broader Middle East peace process remains a critical factor in maintaining pressure for a lasting resolution.
The breakthrough has been met with mixed emotions in both Israel and Gaza. While Israelis celebrate the potential return of hostages, the bittersweet reality of ongoing loss tempers their joy. Palestinians, too, mark the occasion amidst the devastation of Gaza, having put aside their grief to focus on this crucial step.
Israel has historically resisted releasing high-profile Palestinian figures, such as Marwan Barghouti, who is viewed by many Palestinians as a symbol of resistance. Hamas’s demands include the release of prominent commanders, presenting a complex challenge for Netanyahu, who must balance security concerns with the imperative to secure the hostages’ return.
Donald Trump’s assertion that this deal could be the most significant Middle East event in millennia is typical of his hyperbolic style. However, if the hostage-prisoner exchange paves the way for progress on other aspects of his plan, there is a genuine prospect of alleviating suffering on both sides. The path forward requires sustained commitment and a different approach than Trump has historically demonstrated, focusing on diplomacy and consistent application of pressure to achieve a lasting peace.