Political analyst Ihor Chalenko has reviewed the new peace plan presented by Donald Trump alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 29. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, disarmament of Hamas, surrender of weapons to international monitors, and amnesty for Hamas members who agree to peaceful coexistence. Others are proposed to leave for third countries.
The plan envisions large-scale humanitarian aid—restoring water, electricity, hospitals, and re-opening the Rafah crossing. Interim governance of Gaza would be managed by a technocratic committee consisting of Palestinians and international experts, overseen by a "peace council" headed by Trump and Tony Blair. Israel would retain control of the buffer zone until demilitarization is completed, with an international stabilization force providing security.
The long-term aim is for Gaza to become a terror-free zone and move towards Palestinian statehood after reforms in the Palestinian Authority. Reconstruction is to be funded by international donors. The plan received full support from Israel and cautious endorsement from several Arab countries. Hamas criticized the plan, objecting to its disarmament requirements and fearing loss of governance.
Trump's plan is widely compared to Joe Biden's initiative, which suggested a gradual process involving the UN and flexible negotiations. Trump's plan demands rapid Hamas disarmament and places greater emphasis on international oversight and quick agreements.
For Ukraine, success of the Trump Gaza plan could serve as a model for future talks with Russia and influence the degree of Western attention on different global crises. Failure, on the other hand, may worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and lead to reduced focus on Ukraine. Trump's style emphasizes rapid solutions, which may not always suit complex conflicts.
