No Timeline for Withdrawal, No Plan for Displacement: New Details on Trump's Initiative to End the War

SadaNews translation: The release of all hostages within 48 hours, a gradual withdrawal, and a commitment not to attack Qatar. Two days before the crucial meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, CNN published additional details on the 21-point U.S. initiative to end the war. According to the U.S. network, citing a source familiar with the proposal, which informed representatives of Arab countries this week, the plan proposed by the Trump administration calls for the release of all hostages within two days of the agreement taking effect, in exchange for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Gaza.

According to the source, as translated by SadaNews, the plan does not include a specific timeline for the withdrawal of the Israeli military forces; rather, it includes a commitment that Israel will not attack Qatar again; it stipulates that there will be no forced displacement of the population from Gaza; and it states that Hamas will have no role in the government in the sector.

The plan also includes two phases for a temporary government: a central international body, surrounded by a Palestinian committee. There is no timeline for transferring authority from the temporary body to the Palestinian Authority; the proposal indicates the role of the United Nations in providing humanitarian aid, but it does not mention the humanitarian aid fund for Gaza—whose activities have sparked controversy and harsh criticism; nor does the proposal include a U.S. commitment to support a Palestinian state, but simply acknowledges that this is the aspiration of the Palestinians.

According to CNN, it is unclear whether Hamas has already seen the proposal, which may be subject to further modifications and revisions, as translated by SadaNews. It is expected that the Qataris will refer it to the negotiation team of the movement, which is still in Doha. According to a source who spoke to the network, Arab leaders generally support the proposal, although they do not consider it ideal. They expressed that they want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible.

Trump expressed optimism today about ending the war, saying that we are "very close" to reaching an agreement. Although these are statements he has made several times before. Trump told reporters this evening before leaving the White House for New York: "It seems we have an agreement regarding Gaza. I believe it is an agreement that will free the hostages and will end the war."

Media reports stated on Wednesday that an American plan regarding Gaza was supposed to be published this week - and later, Trump's envoy, Steve Weitkopf, confirmed that in a meeting between the U.S. president and Arab leaders, they were presented with a 21-point initiative to end the war.

In a meeting with these leaders, Trump tried to convince them to send forces to the sector and to fund an initiative that includes unrestricted humanitarian aid, without Hamas participating in the administration of Gaza. To persuade them, he reportedly promised them that he would not allow Netanyahu to annex the West Bank or build settlements in the sector.

Weitkopf stated this week that he is "optimistic, even certain, that progress will be made in Gaza in the coming days." Regarding the meeting with the leaders, he said: "We presented what we call the 'Trump Plan - 21 Points for Peace in the Middle East and Gaza.' It addresses the concerns of both Israelis and the neighbors in the region."

The meeting between Netanyahu and Trump next week will clarify whether the president will try to impose a gradual agreement on Netanyahu. A diplomatic source stated that "Trump's plan ensures that there will be no occupation of the Gaza Strip. The release of the hostages and ending Hamas's role are the most important items in the plan. Trump confirmed that the war in Gaza will stop within days."

The Americans are bouncing around, this is money time.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu is expected to meet with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed. This is an extremely important meeting, as it pertains to the "next day" in Gaza, as the UAE is supposed to send a military force to the area operating under a temporary control mechanism in Gaza alongside other Arab armies, as translated by SadaNews. Ron Dermer, the Minister of Strategic Affairs and a close associate of Netanyahu, visited the UAE a few months ago and discussed the matter with them.

Behind the scenes, the Americans are tightening up all aspects of the 21-point plan. An Israeli source stated that "there is a significant American rush, as it is time for money for them. They are mobilized with all their might to end the war and get back the hostages." Another Israeli source noted that we are "going through a critical moment, but everything is very fragile, and there are many unforeseen factors in the process, making it difficult to guarantee its success."

Trump's statement today that we are on the verge of reaching an agreement reflects their position and was also issued based on Weitkopf's and Jared Kushner's talks with Netanyahu yesterday. In fact, as mentioned, there is no longer any agreement from Hamas, and it is not at all certain that the movement will agree after the assassination attempt on its top officials in Doha.

The American plan talks about a ceasefire effective within 72 hours, during which hostages will be released. The Americans, as translated by SadaNews, insist on releasing all hostages, but a gradual step may still be taken. As mentioned, the Israeli army will be asked to withdraw in phases, until a permanent ceasefire is reached, and a monitoring mechanism will be established with the participation of several Arab parties. At a more advanced stage, the Palestinian Authority will be involved, and this is a condition for Israel to accept.

At the same time, discussions are taking place with the Americans regarding the establishment of an investment fund supported by Saudi Arabia to rebuild Gaza. Informed sources say that the Americans are "disagreeing." According to these sources, they are determined to end the war and complicate matters for Netanyahu. One of the key items in the plan is Hamas's agreement to disarm and not participate in the administration of the sector. Among its provisions is the possibility of exile and an Israeli commitment not to harm senior Hamas leaders. The issue of exile is not the first time it has been raised, but after the assassination attempt, Israel is now being asked to promise immunity.