Story by JOSEF FEDERMAN, MICHELLE L. PRICE, LEE KEATH, and SAMY MAGDY | Associated Press
The Palestinian government has issued a statement pledging to implement reforms called for in the proposed plan for peace in Gaza submitted by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“The State of Palestine welcomes the sincere and determined efforts of President Donald J. Trump to end the war on Gaza and affirms its confidence in his ability to find a path toward peace,” the statement said.
Trump’s plan calls for the Palestinian Authority to undertake a series of reforms in order to return to Gaza and potentially clear the way for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
“We have affirmed our desire for a modern, democratic, and non-militarized Palestinian state, committed to pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power,” the statement says.
It promised a series of reforms, including new elections and ending a system that pays the families of militants involved in attacks on Israelis.
Arab countries support Trump’s peace plan announcement
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar said they have confidence in Trump’s “ability to find a path to peace.”
They also said they welcome his announcement of his proposal to end the war in Gaza and his comments that he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank.
But the countries do not say they agree to its plan as fully presented. The ministers said they “affirm their readiness to engage positively and constructively” with the U.S. and other parties “toward finalizing the agreement and ensuring its implementation.”
In language that is much more definitive than Trump’s proposal, the countries said they’re committed to a comprehensive deal that among other goals creates peace “on the basis of the two state solution, under which Gaza is fully integrated with the West Bank in a Palestinian state.”
Former UK prime minister says Trump plan offers ‘best chance of ending’ war in Gaza
Tony Blair, who under Trump’s plan would play a role in the board governing Gaza as it is redeveloped, did not address his own proposed role under the plan.
But he praised Trump for the president’s willingness to chair the board, calling it “a huge signal of support.”
Blair said that if the plan is agreed to, it could not only end the war and bring relief to Gaza but also secure “the chance of a brighter and better future for its people” as well as “the release of all hostages.”
What Trump’s peace proposal says about the possibility of a Palestinian state
Hamas faces a bitter tradeoff — the proposal demands it effectively surrender in return for uncertain gains. The militant group would have to disarm in return for an end to fighting, humanitarian aid for Palestinians, and the promise of reconstruction in Gaza – all desperately hoped for by its population.
But the proposal has only a vague promise that some day, perhaps, Palestinian statehood might be possible. For the foreseeable future, Gaza would stay under a sort of international tutelage and surrounded by Israeli troops.
The proposal includes one provision that Netanyahu and his hard-line Israeli government most strongly oppose: It says the Palestinian Authority will eventually govern Gaza. But Netanyahu is likely betting that will never come to pass. Israel also rejects any Palestinian state.
The White House issued the text of its 20-point proposal on Monday.
