There is no need to embrace Donald Trump’s hyperbole to welcome his peace plan for Gaza, which aims to secure lasting stability in the region. If successful, the initiative could not only bring peace to Gaza but also open the door to a two-state solution, establishing a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. This outcome could help ease broader Middle Eastern tensions and mitigate the long-standing “clash of civilisations” that extremist groups have exploited for decades.
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If the plan manages to provide justice for the Palestinians while safeguarding Israel within agreed borders, it deserves cautious support. Ending Palestine’s suffering would also undercut the recruitment efforts of groups such as al-Qaeda, who have long leveraged the conflict for their own aims. The plan’s potential impact extends beyond the Middle East, influencing Western politics, and its boldness means Mr Trump may be forgiven for his characteristic bombast.
However, the initiative has notable weaknesses. The Palestinian Authority and Mahmoud Abbas have yet to be properly included, and influential regional actors such as Iran, Hezbollah, and the Houthis are absent. Most critically, progress depends on Hamas agreeing to disarm and release hostages, yet the group currently has no clear incentive to comply. Without a “plan B”, the plan risks collapse, leaving the US with only the option of military escalation alongside Israel, with dire consequences for Gaza’s civilian population.
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Despite Mr Trump’s well-documented flaws and impatience with geopolitics, he appears genuinely motivated to pursue peace. Allies in the West, including Sir Tony Blair and experienced mediators, will be crucial in guiding him through the complexities of the process. While improbable, Trump’s plan remains the only active initiative on the table, and sustained pressure and diplomacy are essential to give it any chance of success.
