Trump to Present Peace Plan Amid Controversial Hostage Situation in Gaza
President Donald Trump is at the center of a controversy involving Hamas, the Islamist organization controlling the Gaza Strip, and the fate of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack against Israel. The conflict is further complicated by an international debate on the recognition of Palestine as a state.
Background
Hamas has reportedly written a letter to Trump, asking for a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half the hostages currently held in Gaza. The proposal is expected to be delivered to the President this week, according to Fox News and other sources.
This comes in the backdrop of the president's prior assertions that the hostages should be released now — right now,
and his threat issued on Truth Social as his last warning
to Hamas. However, there is a discrepancy in the number of hostages, with Trump suggesting close to 40 of the hostages are dead, while official Israeli figures insist that 20 of the 48 remaining hostages are alive.
International Response
In addition to the hostage situation, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has seen significant developments with France, Canada, the UK, and Australia recognizing Palestine as a state, a move Israel has warned may lead to annexation of the West Bank.
Trump is expected to meet with Arab and Muslim leaders in New York to discuss a peace plan, which includes a UN-mandated international stabilization force in Gaza. The US President will present his plan for post-war governance in Gaza, without Hamas involvement, to leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
The US proposal also aims to secure Arab and Muslim funding for a transition and rebuilding, and calls for the deployment of military forces to Gaza to enable Israel’s withdrawal.
Palestinian Authority's Stand
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking to the United Nations conference, called for Hamas to surrender its weapons to the Palestinian Authority and for an immediate ceasefire. He emphasized the need for aid in Gaza and the release of captives.
US Position
While the US envoy, Tom Barrack, has expressed that peace is an illusion in the region and that ceasefires have not worked in the past, he believes that President Trump has a plan for Gaza. The approach focuses on limiting American military involvement but continues to uphold strong financial and political support for Israel.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, the world is looking toward Trump's peace plan presentation and the potential for a 60-day truce. Yet, the fate of the remaining hostages, including the Israeli cheesemaker and father of three, Dror Or, remains uncertain. The hope of an end to the war in Gaza now rests heavily on the shoulders of the American president.