In a surprising development, three influential Middle Eastern countries—Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey—have urged Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, to consider accepting former U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for the region. According to Axios, the countries have raised this call as part of their efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The move has sparked a mix of reactions, as it involves a controversial U.S.-backed proposal that has been widely criticized by Palestinians and their supporters.
Background on Trump’s Gaza Plan
Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, formally known as the “Deal of the Century,” was unveiled in January 2020. The plan proposed a new framework for peace between Israel and Palestine, which included several key elements that were seen as favorable to Israel. It suggested that Gaza remain under Hamas control, but with significant territorial concessions from the Palestinians, including the formal recognition of Israeli sovereignty over much of the West Bank.
The plan also called for substantial economic aid to the Palestinians, including investments in infrastructure and job creation. However, many critics, particularly from the Palestinian side, saw the plan as a one-sided proposal that heavily favored Israel and ignored key Palestinian demands, such as the right of return for refugees and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Role of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey
Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey have historically played significant roles in Middle Eastern politics, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While each country has different geopolitical interests, all three have expressed concern about the ongoing instability in Gaza and the broader region.
Qatar has long supported Gaza with financial aid, and it maintains close ties with Hamas. Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza, has acted as a mediator in previous peace talks between Hamas and Israel. Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has been a vocal critic of Israel’s policies and has supported Palestinian causes in international forums.
Despite their differences, these countries now seem to have aligned in urging Hamas to accept Trump’s plan. The reason behind this surprising request is rooted in the desire to bring stability to Gaza and the broader Middle East. All three countries are concerned about the potential for greater violence and are looking for a way to resolve the conflict, albeit with different approaches and interests.
Reactions from Hamas and the Palestinian Authority
Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, has firmly rejected Trump’s plan from the outset, calling it a “sellout” of Palestinian rights. The group’s leadership has argued that the plan fails to address the core issues of the Palestinian struggle, including the right to self-determination, the status of Jerusalem, and the return of refugees. Hamas has also criticized the plan for perpetuating the Israeli occupation and offering only limited sovereignty to Palestinians.
The Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, has also condemned the plan, arguing that it undermines any possibility of a two-state solution. Abbas has stressed that Palestinians will not accept any peace proposal that does not meet their aspirations for an independent and viable state.
Why Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey Are Pressuring Hamas
The call from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for Hamas to consider Trump’s plan reflects their growing frustration with the lack of progress in resolving the Gaza crisis. These countries are all keen to stabilize the region and avoid further escalation of violence, which has had devastating effects on civilians in Gaza and Israel alike.
While Qatar and Turkey have historically been supportive of Hamas, their governments recognize the need for a long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Egypt, with its vested interest in maintaining security along its border with Gaza, has also pushed for more pragmatic solutions to ease tensions.
The countries may also believe that accepting the Trump plan, or at least engaging with it, could bring some relief to Gaza and potentially open the door for future negotiations with Israel and the international community.
Conclusion
The call by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for Hamas to accept Trump’s Gaza plan marks a significant shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy. It highlights the ongoing complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where geopolitical interests and humanitarian concerns often collide. While Hamas remains opposed to the plan, the pressure from these key players suggests that a new approach to peace may be emerging—one that could have far-reaching implications for the future of Gaza and the broader region. The coming months will likely reveal whether this unprecedented diplomatic push will lead to any breakthrough or simply add to the ongoing cycle of conflict and negotiation.