Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen stated on Tuesday that she welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for peace to resolve the nearly two-year-old war in Gaza.
Last week, Washington presented its peace plan to Arab and Muslim states during the U.N. General Assembly. On Monday, Trump released his plan, a 20-point document agreed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which proposes an immediate end to fighting.
“Welcome President @realDonaldTrump’s commitment to end the war in Gaza. Encourage all parties to now seize this opportunity. The EU stands ready to contribute,”
She wrote on X.
“Hostilities should end with provision of immediate humanitarian relief to the population in Gaza and with all hostages released immediately,”
She added.
Von der Leyen further said,
“A two-state solution remains the only viable path to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East with the Israeli and Palestinian people living side by side, in peace and security, free from violence and terrorism.”
What key steps are outlined in Trump’s 20-point proposal?
The White House published a 20-point plan advocating for an immediate ceasefire, a swap of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israel, the release within 72 hours of 20 Israeli hostages still alive, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas disarmament, and the formation of a transitional government led by an international entity.
The plan also includes the return of the remains of over two dozen hostages believed to be deceased, in exchange for hundreds of detained Gazans. The plan states that Hamas will not participate in governing Gaza and suggests the possibility of a future Palestinian state.
How did Netanyahu respond to Trump’s proposed peace plan?
Trump expressed his gratitude to Netanyahu
“for agreeing to the plan and trusting that if we work together.”
Netanyahu responded that:
“I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which achieves our war aims.”
“It will bring back to Israel all our hostages, dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities, end its political rule, and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel,”
He said.
What stance has the Palestinian Authority taken on the proposal?
The Palestinian Authority (PA), which oversees sections of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, has described the US president’s efforts as “sincere and determined”.
In a statement released through its Wafa news agency, the PA announced it “renews its joint commitment to work with the United States, regional states, and partners” to end the Gaza conflict, ensure adequate humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, and secure the release of hostages and prisoners.
Which arab and muslim states endorsed Trump’s Gaza initiative?
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan expressed their support for Trump’s
“leadership and his sincere efforts to end the war in Gaza.”
They stated they are prepared to collaborate with the US to finalize and carry out the agreement, which they believe should result in a
“two-state solution, under which Gaza is fully integrated with the West Bank in a Palestinian state.”
