US Pushes for Resolution of Gaza Conflict, Sets Deadline for Hamas
US President Donald Trump has unveiled a comprehensive plan to resolve the ongoing Gaza conflict and set a tough deadline for Hamas, triggering a flurry of diplomatic activity in the Middle East. The US president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and senior US envoy Steve Witkoff have been dispatched to Egypt to finalize details related to the release of captives and discuss the peace plan.
Background
The Gaza conflict has been ongoing for two years, with Israel and Hamas locked in a bitter and destructive war. The US peace plan, which seeks to deescalate tensions and broker a lasting peace, was unveiled on September 29, with the first phase potentially completed in the coming week. The plan calls for an immediate halt to attacks on Gaza, the release of all captives, and an end to the war.
Diplomatic Maneuvers
Trump has urged all sides to act swiftly towards an agreement. As negotiators head to Cairo for indirect peace talks, the US president has expressed optimism that the negotiations involving Israel and Hamas will proceed quickly. He has also warned that the Palestinian group has three to four days to accept the terms of the Gaza plan or face severe consequences.
Senior US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to join the talks in Egypt, along with Israel’s negotiators and a Palestinian delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya, the deputy head of the political bureau of Hamas.
The Gaza Plan
According to multiple reports, the US Gaza plan involves a 20-point strategy that includes an immediate ceasefire, a swap of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a transitional government led by an international body. The plan also envisions the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip under a Palestinian government overseen by an international coalition.
Trump has urged Hamas to accept the plan, warning that rejection would lead to a very sad end.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has echoed Trump's sentiments, threatening to ‘finish the job’ if Hamas does not agree.
Mixed Reception
While reports suggest that Hamas has responded positively to the peace plan, a senior member of the Palestinian group said they are still considering the proposal and rejected the notion of a 'take it or leave it' deal. The pressure on Hamas to accept the plan is reportedly mounting, with key allies like Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey urging the group to accept the terms.
However, some opposition to the plan has also been voiced. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has stated that the 20-point plan does not match the draft prepared by Muslim-majority states.
Conclusion
The coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of the Gaza conflict. The implications of the US peace plan and Hamas's response could potentially end the war or inflame it further. The deadline set by Trump marks a significant turning point in the peace negotiations. Although the talks seem to be proceeding well, the next few days will reveal the true impact of these diplomatic efforts.