Trump Pressures Netanyahu to Advance Gaza Peace Plan

US President Donald Trump has pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance a peace plan for Gaza during a recent phone call. The conversation, which included US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, aimed to revive a stalled initiative to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip. According to sources, Trump emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution, stressing that the plan is the best way forward for the region.

The Gaza peace plan, which was first proposed by the Trump administration, involves a series of steps to achieve a lasting ceasefire and rebuild the Gaza Strip. The plan includes the demilitarization of Hamas, the transfer of power to a technocratic Palestinian government, and the deployment of an international stabilization force. The initiative has been met with skepticism by some Israeli officials, who question Hamas's willingness to disarm. Despite these concerns, the Trump administration remains committed to pushing the plan forward.

The phone call between Trump and Netanyahu came after the Israeli elections, which took place on October 27. The US administration had avoided pushing the plan during the election campaign, fearing it could become a contentious issue. However, with the elections now behind them, the White House is eager to restart the initiative, regardless of who will form the next Israeli government. According to Axios, the US is keen to see the plan implemented, citing it as the most reliable path forward for the region.

A key component of the plan is the demilitarization of Hamas, which has been a major point of contention. Netanyahu has expressed doubts about Hamas's willingness to disarm, citing concerns that the group is rebuilding its military capabilities. However, Kushner has argued that Hamas has shown a willingness to compromise, and that Israel should take steps to test the group's commitment to disarmament. The two sides have been working to address these concerns, with the aim of establishing a new security and administrative framework for Gaza.

The plan also includes a major reconstruction effort, with a proposed $2.45 billion initiative to rebuild Gaza over six months. The project, which was unveiled during the UN General Assembly in September, includes 66 separate initiatives and provides a detailed vision for the rebuilding of the Gaza Strip. However, the plan's success is contingent on progress being made on disarmament, which will require cooperation between Israel and Hamas.

The US administration is optimistic about the plan's prospects, despite the challenges. A senior US official described the initiative as a "good option" for Israel, emphasizing that its success will depend on full cooperation from the Israeli government. The official also noted that the plan's implementation will be gradual, with reconstruction efforts only beginning once tangible progress has been made on disarmament.

The Gaza peace plan has also garnered support from other countries, including the UK. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is a member of the peace initiative's advisory board, visited Israel last week to meet with Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders. Blair's visit was seen as an effort to encourage Israeli officials to support the plan, and to emphasize the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Key points

• The Gaza peace plan involves a series of steps to achieve a lasting ceasefire and rebuild the Gaza Strip.