US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that a significant breakthrough in the protracted Middle East crisis could be on the horizon. Just ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pivotal visit to the White House, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, declaring, “All are on board for something special.” This optimistic outlook coincides with his recent statements regarding a potential deal concerning Gaza.
“We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST,” Trump asserted, expressing confidence that a solution is within reach. Earlier in the week, he hinted at a potential agreement during a press interaction, stating, “I think we have a deal” that could lead to the release of hostages and ultimately end the ongoing conflict.
Netanyahu’s meeting, scheduled for Monday, follows the US President’s unveiling of a comprehensive 21-point plan aimed at ending the war in the Palestinian territory during discussions with Arab and Muslim leaders at the United Nations General Assembly. The timing of the announcement comes as Israel faces increasing international pushback, with several countries including Britain, France, Canada, and Australia officially recognising Palestinian statehood, marking a significant shift from long-standing US-led diplomatic protocols.
According to a diplomatic source who spoke with AFP, Trump’s plan includes provisions for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a considerable influx of humanitarian aid into the beleaguered region. Netanyahu commented on the urgency of the situation, stating, “We want to free our hostages,” while expressing a commitment to dismantle Hamas rule and establish a stable future for both Gazans and Israelis.
Despite the hopeful rhetoric, Arab and Muslim leaders have welcomed Trump’s proposal with caution, demanding an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza and an end to the occupation. A contentious aspect of the plan is the proposed involvement of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority in the future governance of Gaza. Netanyahu voiced skepticism about the viability of a reformed Palestinian Authority capable of fostering peace, emphasising the deep-rooted challenges that lie ahead. “I don’t think it’s going to happen,” he remarked, while underlining his commitment to combatting Hamas.
The backdrop to these discussions is grim. The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,219 Israeli deaths, the deadliest day in the nation’s history, while the retaliatory offensive in Gaza has led to over 66,005 deaths, primarily among civilians, as reported by the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The conflict has inflicted devastating repercussions on both sides, amplifying the urgent need for a sustainable resolution.