The US proposes a plan for Gaza, envisaging the Palestinians remaining there and establishing their own state

A US proposal to end the war in the Gaza Strip, obtained by The Times of Israel, represents a significant departure from Donald Trump's previous policy. The 21-point document calls on Palestinians to remain in Gaza and paves the way for a future Palestinian state – surprising, especially after Trump's comments in February about permanently resettling the population.

The plan calls for the disempowerment of Hamas, the demilitarization of the region, and the “deradicalization” of the population. At the same time, the Palestinian Authority is to be integrated and reformed before the establishment of a state.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff also contributed to the document. It also speaks of a “political horizon” for future coexistence between Israel and Palestine.

While the proposal represents a significant step for the Palestinians, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the idea of a Palestinian state “pure madness” after the October 7 attack.

Donald Trump, however, is optimistic and says that intensive negotiations are already underway involving all parties – including Hamas and the Israeli leadership.

On Saturday, Hamas denied receiving a US proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, which President Donald Trump claimed looked “like a done deal.”

(mja)