In a strategic move that may have outwitted Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consented to a ceasefire plan.
This decision comes after enduring months of allegations of genocide and international demands to cease the conflict in Gaza. The ceasefire plan, a product of collaboration between Netanyahu and President Donald Trump, appears to be significantly in favor of Israel.
According to Western Journal, Hamas has stated that it is currently reviewing the plan and will respond shortly. However, with Trump garnering international backing for the plan, including from Hamas closest allies, the Islamic terrorist group may find it challenging to reject the proposal.
"Instead of Hamas isolating us, we turned the tables and isolated Hamas," Netanyahu stated in a social media video before departing Washington.
Throughout the nearly two-year-long war, Netanyahu has pledged to persist until achieving "total victory." This victory includes not only the return of hostages held by Hamas and defeating the group in combat but also ousting it from power and annihilating its military capabilities.
Critics have dismissed this vision as unattainable due to Hamas' deep-seated presence in Palestinian society. However, Trump's plan largely corroborates this objective.
Under the proposed plan, Hamas would be obligated to release all hostages, both living and deceased, within days of the plan's implementation. The group would also be compelled to disarm and relinquish power to a team of non-political technocrats, overseen by an international body led by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Israel would retain an indefinite military presence inside Gaza, along its border with Israel.
An international force, primarily composed of troops from Arab and Muslim countries, would be accountable for security within Gaza. The U.S. would spearhead a substantial, internationally funded reconstruction effort in Gaza.
The plan anticipates a future role for the Palestinian Authority, but it necessitates the authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, to undergo a comprehensive reform program that could take years to execute. It also necessitates Israel to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including approximately 250 serving life sentences for convictions in fatal attacks on Israelis. Such releases are distressing and unpopular among the Israeli public.
Israel has also made other concessions: Trump and Israel have discarded a plan to expel Gazas 2 million Palestinians from the territory. The new proposal permits all Palestinians to stay, and anyone who chooses to leave will be allowed to return. Israel has also vowed not to annex or resettle Gaza.
Despite its minor gains, Hamas appears to be the major loser under the Trump plan. Yet, it may not be in a position to reject the offer. After two years of war, Hamas has suffered substantial losses and holds only a small fraction of the power it once possessed. While it's challenging to gauge its popularity in Gaza, it is evident that many in the devastated territory desire an end to the war, regardless of the cost.
Moreover, its primary allies in the region Iran and the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah have been significantly weakened by Israeli and American attacks. Expressions of support for the proposal from Arab countries could also corner Hamas.
A joint statement by Arab and Muslim countries welcomed the proposal and expressed their readiness to work toward finalizing and implementing it. These countries included Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar which maintain good working relationships with Hamas and other influential countries, such as Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.
While the Trump plan does not mention the West Bank, Arab officials, speaking anonymously to discuss the confidential negotiations, said such language was removed at Israels request. This strategic move by Netanyahu and Trump could be the turning point in the long-standing conflict, potentially bringing an end to the war and restoring peace in the region.
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