Palestinian subordination: Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan

He had moments of discomfort and embarrassment—pressed into calling the Qatari prime minister by his host to apologise for striking Doha and made to pay lip service to the prospect of a Palestinian state—but Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu had many reasons to be pleased.

- BY ΒΙΝΟΥ KAMPMARK

On September 29, US President Donald Trump advanced a peace proposal that essentially preserves Israeli preeminence regarding the fate of Palestinians, though it entails a cessation of hostilities, an affirmation that Gazans would not be expelled (those leaving would have the right to return), and an injunction against Israeli annexation of the strip. But Hamas, militarily and politically, would have to surrender all claims, with the Palestinian Authority shepherded and supervised by foreign powers.

Trump's peace proposal comprises 20 points. They include a "deradicalised terror-free zone," Gaza's redevelopment for the benefit of its people aided by "a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving miracle cities in the Middle East," and an immediate end to the war on its acceptance by the parties. Israel would withdraw to an agreed upon line in anticipation of a hostage release, during which all military operations would cease pending complete withdrawal. All hostages, dead and alive, would be returned within 72 hours, to be followed by the release of 250 Palestinian life sentence prisoners and Gazans detained since October 7, 2023.

Hamas and militant factions will forfeit any role in governing Gaza, with any offensive infrastructure and equipment destroyed, but any of its members wishing to commit to "peaceful coexistence" and decommissioning of weapons will be granted amnesty, with those wishing to leave given safe passage to receiving countries.

Compliance by the militant group will be overseen by "regional partners." Full aid would resume, with the UN and Red Crescent restored to their role as chief distributors.