The United States has put out a detailed 21-point plan to halt the fighting in Gaza and possibly pave the way for a future Palestinian state, The Times of Israel reported.
This week, the idea was presented with Arab and Muslim countries at the United Nations General Assembly.
The plan calls for the immediate release of hostages, encouraging Palestinians to stay in Gaza, giving nonviolent Hamas members amnesty, and rebuilding the area. Analysts say that the plan is a big change in US policy. It goes against what President Donald Trump said in February, when he suggested moving two million Gazans and didn’t support a two-state solution.
Important Responses
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, said no to the idea of a Palestinian state near Jerusalem.
“Giving the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7th is like giving Al-Qaeda a state one mile from New York City after September 11th. This is just crazy. It’s crazy, and we won’t do it. “Israel won’t let you force a terrorist state on us.”
Even still, Trump seemed hopeful and said that a deal may be reached shortly. He wrote this on Truth Social:
“For four days, there have been intense negotiations that will continue until an agreement is reached that works for everyone.” All of the countries in the area are taking part, Hamas knows about these talks, and everyone in Israel, even Bibi Netanyahu, has been told about them.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, said:
In Gaza, we talked about what we call the Trump 21-point plan for peace in the Mideast. I believe it takes care of the worries of the Israelis and all the other countries in the area. We are hopeful, and I could even say sure, that we will be able to declare some kind of breakthrough in the next few days.
A Quick Look at the 21 Points:
Change Gaza into a safe zone where there is no terrorism and no radicalism.
Make Gaza better for the people who live there by redeveloping it.
Stop fighting right away, with Israel stopping its activities and starting to pull out in stages.
Within 48 hours of Israel’s agreement, the hostages were freed.
Let go of hundreds of Palestinian security prisoners and Gazans who are being held.
Hamas members who are peaceful will be free, and those who leave will be safe.
Humanitarian aid brought back at least 600 trucks a day, along with repairs to infrastructure.
Aid distribution is handled by neutral international organizations like the UN and the Red Crescent.
Palestinian technocrats are in charge of Gaza, while an international committee led by the US keeps an eye on it.
Start a full economic plan for rebuilding and creating jobs.
Special economic zone with negotiated tariffs and access.
People who leave are not obliged to go, and they can come back.
Hamas is not allowed to govern, and the military apparatus has been taken apart.
Regional actors promise to keep Israel and Gaza safe.
A temporary US-led stabilization team is sent to train Palestinian police for internal security.
Israel will not annex or permanently occupy Gaza; its troops will slowly give up control.
If Hamas delays or rejects the proposal, steps will be taken in areas that are free of terror.
Israel won’t attack Qatar again; Doha is seen as a critical mediator.
Start systematic programs to de-radicalize people, especially ecumenical ones.
Progress and reforms in the Palestinian Authority make it possible for the Palestinian people to become a state (exact date not given).
The US helps Israel and the Palestinians talk to each other so they may come up with a long-term political framework for living together peacefully.