President Donald Trump announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to support a US-sponsored peace proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has persisted for nearly two years. At a joint press conference in Washington on October 16, 2023, Trump stated that they are “beyond very close” to achieving a peace deal and expressed hope that Hamas militants would also accept the terms.
The White House unveiled a comprehensive 20-point peace plan that includes key components such as a ceasefire, a hostage exchange involving individuals held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israel, a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a transitional government led by an international body. Trump emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “I also want to thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for agreeing to the plan and for trusting that if we work together, we can bring an end to the death and destruction that we’ve seen for so many years, decades, even centuries, and begin a new chapter of security, peace and prosperity for the entire region.”
During Netanyahu’s fourth visit to the White House since Trump returned to office in January, the Israeli leader sought to reinforce the critical relationship between Israel and the United States. This meeting came in the wake of several Western leaders formally recognizing Palestinian statehood, a move that Trump criticized as a concession to Hamas. Despite some reservations regarding parts of the peace proposal, Netanyahu’s agreement signifies a significant diplomatic effort as Trump aims to conclude the longstanding conflict, a promise he reiterated during his 2024 presidential campaign.
The absence of Hamas from the negotiations has raised concerns about the viability of the peace initiative. Washington recently presented the peace plan to Arab and Muslim states during the UN General Assembly, with Trump’s primary objective being to address any remaining disagreements with Netanyahu. The discussions occurred amid escalating violence, with Israeli tanks advancing further into Gaza City as part of one of Israel’s largest military offensives in the ongoing conflict.
Netanyahu’s arrival at the White House was marked by a cordial handshake from Trump, contrasting sharply with the Israeli Prime Minister’s reception at the UN General Assembly, where numerous delegates walked out during his speech. Previous attempts at US-backed ceasefires have failed, primarily due to the inability to reconcile the demands of Israel and Hamas. Despite these challenges, Netanyahu has committed to continuing military operations until Hamas is fully dismantled.
The recent escalation in Gaza has resulted in significant destruction and a major humanitarian crisis, raising urgent questions about the potential for lasting peace in the region. As discussions continue, the international community watches closely for the next steps in this complex and evolving situation.
