Just days before his anticipated meeting with US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conspicuously avoided detailing a comprehensive US plan for ending the war in the Gaza Strip during his address to the United Nations General Assembly.
The US plan, which consists of 21 clauses, includes an immediate declaration of a ceasefire and the release of all Israeli hostages within 48 hours.
In return, it calls for the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, including at least 100 to 200 serving life sentences.
The Exchange: Hostages for Phased Withdrawal
According to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to CNN, the initiative mandates a phased withdrawal of the Israeli military from the Gaza Strip, although it does not set a strict timeline.
The plan strictly prohibits the forced displacement of Gaza residents and proposes establishing an uninhabited security corridor, ranging from 500 to 1,000 meters wide, around the perimeter of the Gaza Strip.
Among the most notable clauses is a commitment from Israel not to attack Qatar in the future.
Furthermore, the plan includes a US commitment to prevent Tel Aviv from annexing the West Bank or building new settlements.
Political Transition: From Arab Management to Palestinian Control
The American plan proposes a political transition phase where an international Arab body, convened by the Palestinian Authority (PA), would initially manage the Strip.
This phase would involve the formation of a local Palestinian committee, chosen by the PA, to take over Gaza’s security and administrative affairs under Arab and international supervision.
Ultimately, the administration of the Gaza Strip would officially be transferred to the State of Palestine, according to the plan.
The proposal calls for the resumption of direct negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis, though it offers no formal US guarantee for the establishment of a Palestinian state, providing merely an “acknowledgement that this is the Palestinian aspiration.”
Humanitarian File: Closing the Gaza Aid Fund
On the humanitarian side, the initiative calls for the immediate and unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid under the supervision of the United Nations and international organizations.
This would happen in exchange for closing the highly controversial “Gaza Humanitarian Fund,” which has faced repeated criticism for being exploited by the occupation to target civilians.
The plan also stipulates that the reconstruction process, which is expected to last more than five years, should begin with Arab and international funding and be managed by a specialized international Arab association.
The Hamas File: Disarmament for Amnesty
One of the most sensitive points in the plan concerns the Hamas movement, which would be required to fully disarm in exchange for amnesty for its leaders and their withdrawal from the Strip.
The newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth indicates that “political exile” is under discussion, particularly following a recent assassination attempt targeting prominent leaders in Doha.
Furthermore, Israel would be required to guarantee the future safety of the movement’s leaders, should Hamas agree to a complete political and military withdrawal from the scene.
Closed Meetings and Multiple Offers
US President Donald Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, stating, “We are having constructive and inspiring discussions with Middle East leaders regarding Gaza. There is more goodwill than I have ever seen in my life; everyone wants to move past death and darkness.”
Trump expressed optimism, asserting, “We are very close to a deal that will end the war and bring back the hostages,” despite having made similar statements before.
During a private meeting between Trump and several Arab leaders, US envoy Steve Witkoff presented a copy of the initiative.
The US President sought to persuade them to send troops to participate in the temporary administration of Gaza after the war, in addition to providing substantial financial support, particularly from the UAE.
Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer had visited the UAE months prior to discuss these arrangements, reflecting extensive regional movement behind the scenes.
Increased US Pressure to End War
According to Israeli media reports, the US Administration is exerting intense pressure to end the war, describing the situation as “the time for money and decisions.”
This refers to the clear US effort to secure vast international funding for Gaza’s reconstruction and to directly link that financial support to the acceptance of a political solution.
Sources indicated that this is a “crucial” moment, but cautioned against the fragility of the situation and many unpredictable variables, especially since the stance of Hamas remains unclear amid ongoing consultations in Doha.
Ceasefire Stages and Oversight
The proposed plan suggests implementing a comprehensive ceasefire within 72 hours of its execution, during which the hostages would be released, followed by a gradual Israeli withdrawal.
The plan also mandates the creation of a civilian mechanism, with broad Arab participation, to monitor the agreement’s implementation.
In a subsequent phase, the PA would join the scene, provided that Israel agrees to the transition—a condition cited by negotiators as one of the most complicated points.
Reconstruction Fund and Saudi Role
The US is currently consulting on establishing a massive investment fund for Gaza reconstruction, with potential support from Saudi Arabia.
However, American sources have revealed internal disagreements within the US position regarding certain details of the proposal, amidst a clear desire from the administration to accelerate steps toward ending the war.
The forthcoming meeting between Trump and Netanyahu in the coming days is expected to determine the plan’s future, as Trump is likely to attempt to impose a phased agreement, particularly given his pledge to Arab leaders not to allow Netanyahu to annex the West Bank.
egyptindependent.com (Article Sourced Website)
#Price #peace #Trumps #initiative #Gaza #demanding #withdrawal #Arab #interim #rule #Egypt #Independent