What is the new plan?
While few details have been officially disclosed, Israeli media reports suggest that the proposal is a variation of a previous plan by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The core of Trump’s plan appears to be a full release of all remaining Israeli captives from the outset in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. Crucially, the plan does not include an immediate, permanent end to the war. Instead, it calls for negotiations to commence after the captive release. This key difference leaves Israel with little incentive to stop its military operations.
The Response
- Hamas: The group has confirmed it received the proposal, stating it “welcomes any initiative that helps in the efforts to stop the aggression against our people.” However, a senior Hamas official, Basem Naim, called the proposal a “humiliating surrender document,” pointing out that it would require them to give up all their bargaining chips before any guarantee of a permanent ceasefire. Hamas maintains its position that the captives will only be released in exchange for a clear declaration to end the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
- Israel: According to Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Israel has accepted the proposal, saying it is ready to end the war in exchange for all the captives and Hamas laying down its weapons. However, some analysts are skeptical, suggesting that Israel may try to frame the situation so that Hamas appears to be the party refusing the deal, a tactic they have used in the past to justify continuing the war.
- Analysts: Many observers are doubtful the proposal will succeed, primarily due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s consistent refusal to end the war. Critics are also skeptical of Trump’s ability to ensure Israel sticks to the agreement, citing a past instance where Netanyahu violated a ceasefire brokered by the U.S.
The proposed plan is largely viewed as a way for Israel to continue its military operations while appearing to be open to a deal. The focus on a full captive release without a guaranteed end to the war leaves Israel in a position to pursue its stated goal of completely destroying Hamas, a goal that many Palestinians see as a cover for the complete destruction of Gaza.
