US Unveils Gaza Peace Plan; India and Arab Nations Welcome Initiative
The White House has released a comprehensive peace plan to end the Israel-Hamas war, announced by US President Donald Trump alongside Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. The proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire and the return of all hostages within 72 hours. It has received broad international support, with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming it as a "viable pathway to long-term peace." A joint statement from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, and Egypt also welcomed the effort.
Unpacked:
Palestinian leaders have historically rejected Trump administration proposals as biased toward Israel and have not been formally invited to negotiations. Hamas has not officially endorsed the plan and is opposed to terms such as disarmament and exclusion from governance roles.
The plan includes phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, disarmament of Hamas by an international force, interim governance by an international body and Palestinian committee, reconstruction led by an Arab consortium, and guarantees against forced displacement from Gaza.
Arab states such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt are expected to help mediate, fund reconstruction, participate in a temporary security force, and provide humanitarian aid and oversight, with Saudi Arabia likely playing a central financial role.
While the plan acknowledges Palestinian aspirations for statehood and calls for renewed negotiations, it does not explicitly endorse or guarantee the creation of a Palestinian state.