Trump Hosts Gaza Peace Conference Amid Rising Tensions

Negotiations surrounding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have intensified, with both sides attributing blame for failing to uphold agreements brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. The situation is precarious, threatening both humanitarian aid distribution and the fragile calm within the Gaza Strip.

Trump recently celebrated the partial success of his 20-point peace plan during a conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. This plan, which he characterized as “historic,” aims to not only end the ongoing conflict in Gaza but also address broader regional tensions. During the conference, he highlighted three achieved goals: a ceasefire, the exchange of hostages between Israel and Hamas, and the resumption of aid to approximately 2.3 million civilians in Gaza. While the first two objectives saw some progress, the delivery of aid remains inconsistent, hampered by ongoing violence. Reports indicate that five Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire on a recent Wednesday, followed by three more on Thursday.

The diplomatic landscape remains complex, with Israel blocking aid trucks from Egypt due to unmet conditions related to the return of Israeli citizens’ remains held by Hamas. Observers have noted that Trump’s outlined goals lack clarity on key issues, including disarming Hamas and establishing a stable Palestinian governance structure.

Critics have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of Trump’s proposals. A recent article in The Guardian emphasized the urgency of seizing any opportunity to end the conflict, while cautioning that sustained pressure from Trump on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be essential. Conversely, the legal journal Opinion Juris criticized the plan as offering no real guarantees for peace, describing it as “a plan for a plan for a plan.”

Previously, a ceasefire agreement reached in January promised a comprehensive resolution, but Israel’s decision to delay the second stage of negotiations led to renewed hostilities. The current climate differs significantly from January, prompting Trump to renew efforts for peace. His recent military interventions in the region, including strikes against Iran’s nuclear capabilities, were expected to provide leverage over Netanyahu. However, rather than expressing gratitude, Netanyahu ordered an attack on Qatar, a mediator in negotiations, which resulted in civilian casualties and raised questions about U.S. credibility in the region.

As Trump convened the Sharm el-Sheikh conference, he invited Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, despite Netanyahu’s dismissal of Abbas’s role in future governance post-conflict. Notably absent from the gathering, Netanyahu’s refusal to attend underscores the complexities of the relationships involved.

During the conference, Trump avoided committing to a definitive stance on statehood for Palestinians, stating he had not considered the “two-state solution.” This evasion was particularly striking given that Egypt’s President Abdul Fatah al-Sisi opened the meeting by advocating for Palestinian independence.

Trump’s recent remarks regarding Hamas’s disarmament further complicated the negotiations. He warned that Hamas “will disarm” and suggested that U.S. or allied forces might intervene if necessary. Observers express concern that the varying priorities among Israel, Hamas, and Trump’s Arab allies could hinder the peace process.

As Trump navigates these diplomatic challenges, the potential impact of concurrent geopolitical issues, such as the war in Ukraine, looms large. His recent discussions about military support for Ukraine may divert attention from Gaza. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, and the international community will be watching closely as Trump attempts to shape a lasting peace.