Trump Optimistic About Ending Gaza War as 21-Point Plan Emerges

The Trump Administration's 21-Point Gaza Peace Plan

The Trump administration has proposed a 21-point peace plan for Gaza, which includes the release of all hostages held by Hamas within 48 hours of an agreement. This plan outlines a roadmap for the region once the conflict ends. According to a source familiar with the proposal, the plan aims to establish a new governance structure in Gaza that would prevent Hamas from playing any future role in its leadership.

US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about resolving the conflict, stating that they are “very close” to a deal. His envoy recently suggested a potential breakthrough. However, Israel’s military operations continue to intensify, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) pushing deeper into Gaza City and forcing many residents to flee. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed.

The plan could be problematic for Netanyahu, as it recognizes aspirations for a Palestinian state—a stance opposed by key members of his government. The release of the hostages—approximately 20 of whom are believed to be alive—would be exchanged for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The plan also calls for two levels of interim governance: an overarching international body and a Palestinian committee. However, there is no timeline for the international body to transfer leadership to the Palestinian Authority (PA), which exercises nominal self-rule in parts of the occupied West Bank but faces significant restrictions from Israel.

The Trump administration has been critical of other governments, including the UK, France, and Canada, for recognizing a Palestinian state. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described such moves as reckless. However, the US plan could potentially offer a pathway to some form of Palestinian self-rule. Netanyahu, however, has reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state, comparing it to giving al-Qaeda a state near New York after September 11.

The US blueprint also states that there cannot be any forced displacement of Gaza’s population. Earlier this year, Trump suggested the US might take over Gaza and rebuild it while relocating its entire population. Since then, the Israeli government has supported the idea of depopulating Gaza of Palestinians, though it claims it would not coerce residents to leave.

Deal Presented to Arab States

Trump met with leaders from Muslim nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Turkey, and Pakistan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. He called it his “most important meeting” of the day. The US plan was presented to Arab states at the United Nations, according to US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who expressed hope for a breakthrough in the coming days.

The plan specifically states that Israel will not attack Qatar again. Israel targeted Hamas leaders in Doha earlier this month with a series of airstrikes just days after Hamas considered a different US proposal. Trump has also voiced optimism about resolving the conflict, saying a deal is “very close.”

In a social media post, Trump hailed “inspired and productive discussions” with Middle Eastern partners to end the war in Gaza. He emphasized that negotiations have been ongoing for four days and will continue as needed to achieve a successfully completed agreement. He added that all regional countries are involved, Hamas is aware of the discussions, and Israel has been informed at all levels, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It remains unclear if Hamas has been presented with the proposal, which may undergo revisions. It is likely to be relayed through the Qataris to what remains of Hamas’ negotiating team in Doha. Hamas stated on Sunday that it had not received any new proposals for a ceasefire, reiterating its readiness to examine any proposals it receives positively while upholding the national rights of its people.

Netanyahu's 'Safety Net'

Netanyahu is set to meet with Trump at the White House on Monday. Trump emphasized the goal of the negotiations is to get the hostages back and establish a “PERMANENT AND LONGLASTING PEACE.” However, the plan’s reception in Israel is uncertain, as Netanyahu’s far-right coalition members have threatened to collapse the government if the war ends before Hamas is eradicated. Far-right ministers are pushing for a full takeover of Gaza and extending Israeli sovereignty over much of the occupied West Bank.

Israeli politicians posted messages on social media about the peace plan as Shabbat ended on Saturday. Far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir opposed the plan, stating that Netanyahu does “not have a mandate to end the war without the complete defeat of Hamas.” Ben Gvir and far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have consistently opposed hostage deals and ceasefire arrangements, pressing instead for continued military pressure and full occupation of the territory. They have threatened to topple Netanyahu’s government if the war should end.

Minutes after Ben Gvir posted, Netanyahu’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar wrote that he trusts the prime minister “to represent Israel’s interests as required” in the talks with Trump. He noted that after two years of war, Israel’s clear national interest is to end the war and achieve its objectives. Netanyahu’s ultra-Orthodox coalition partners also support a hostage deal that would end the war.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said he told US officials that Netanyahu has a safety net from him for a hostage deal and an end to the war in the event of far-right opposition to a peace plan. He claimed there is a majority for this in the Knesset and the country, dismissing the threats of Ben Gvir and Smotrich.

Intensifying Strikes

For now, the Israeli military campaign in Gaza continues unabated. The IDF says 700,000 people have left Gaza City since being ordered to do so earlier this month. However, these numbers are difficult to verify. Despite a mass exodus, hundreds of thousands of people are still believed to be in Gaza City.

Over the weekend, the Israeli military said it is “intensifying strikes” in Gaza, using “autonomous explosive-armored vehicles” to neutralize explosive devices before troops move in. Hospitals reported at least 96 people killed in Israeli strikes on Saturday, mostly in Gaza City.

Residents described the situation as extremely difficult. Abu Yasser al-Khour from Gaza City’s Al-Sabra neighborhood mentioned that the Israeli army detonated five robots in the area, with explosions occurring every ten minutes. Zakaria Bakr from Al-Shati Refugee Camp noted that the camp is almost empty, with entire alleys reduced to rubble.

Israel’s military operation involves three divisions pushing to extend their control over the territory’s largest urban area, aiming to eliminate Hamas strongholds.