Even as the world focuses on Hamas’s impending decision, a significant crack has already appeared in the foundation of the US-led Gaza peace plan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s explicit rejection of a future Palestinian state looms over the deal, threatening its long-term viability and revealing deep-seated disagreements.
President Donald Trump’s 20-point proposal was carefully crafted to allow for the possibility of a future Palestinian state, a key demand of Arab nations and the broader international community. This ambiguity was likely crucial in securing their support for a plan that also guarantees Israel’s security through the disarming of Hamas.
However, Netanyahu has preemptively undermined this aspect of the deal. While accepting the short-term goal of eliminating Hamas, he has publicly stated that Israel will not allow Palestinian sovereignty. This declaration could alienate the very Arab partners whose support Trump has touted as a major achievement.
For now, the immediate pressure is on Hamas to accept the terms of the ceasefire and hostage release. But analysts warn that Netanyahu’s stance could doom any chance of a lasting peace. It suggests that even if Hamas surrenders, the underlying conflict over land and statehood will remain unresolved and ready to erupt again.
The deal may stop the current war, which has killed over 66,000 Palestinians. But without a political horizon for the Palestinian people, it risks being merely a temporary truce rather than the historic settlement Trump claims it to be.