Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Several Gulf nations have shown support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, deciding to move ahead even if Hamas does not accept it. This move highlights their growing desire to end the conflict and focus on rebuilding stability in the region. According to sources familiar with the matter, Gulf leaders believe the plan must proceed regardless of Hamas’s approval.
Efforts to End Instability in the Region
The Gulf countries are increasingly prioritizing peace and development. They want to reduce instability in the region so that projects like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 can progress smoothly. Leaders are also responding to public pressure, as many citizens want the fighting in Gaza to stop after months of destruction and loss of life.
Trump’s Warning to Hamas
President Trump gave Hamas a strict deadline to accept the peace plan. He warned that if the group failed to agree by 6 p.m. Washington time on Sunday, there would be serious consequences. In a social media post, Trump said that every country had signed on to the deal, and this was the group’s “last chance” to avoid disaster.
Hamas’s Mixed Response
A senior Hamas official said the group would respond soon. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he mentioned that Hamas was trying to find “gray areas” in the proposal, suggesting that while they may not fully accept it, they are also avoiding outright rejection. This indicates some internal discussion within Hamas about how to respond.
Growing Support Among Arab Leaders
Many Arab and Gulf leaders see Trump’s plan as a rare opportunity. Former Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said the proposal was the most positive since the war began. He added that there was a sense of urgency to end the violence and begin rebuilding Gaza. The Gulf states are welcoming the initiative despite knowing it is not perfect.
Details of the Proposed Plan
Trump’s plan includes the creation of safe zones in Gaza, cleared of Hamas fighters. Rebuilding efforts would start in these areas. Hamas would have to surrender and lay down its arms, as the group is recognized as a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and the European Union. Importantly, the plan mentions that progress will continue even if Hamas refuses to participate.
Concerns and Risks in Implementation
Gulf leaders understand that the plan still has unclear parts, such as timelines, funding, and how peacekeepers would operate in active conflict zones. There are also fears that Hamas or other groups like Yemen’s Houthis might attack the safe areas. Despite this, most Gulf nations believe it is time to take bold action to end the fighting.
Houthi Opposition and Iran’s Role
The Yemen-based Houthi group, backed by Iran, has strongly opposed the plan. Houthi leader Abdul Malik Al-Houthi called the Gulf’s support for Trump’s proposal “treason” against the Palestinian cause. He accused Arab countries of helping the U.S. and Israel pressure Palestinians. This shows how divided the Arab world remains over the Gaza issue.
Optimism Despite Challenges
Despite disagreements, there is growing hope that Trump’s plan could finally create a path toward peace. Benedikt Franke, CEO of the Munich Security Conference, said that while the plan is not perfect, it has brought new energy to discussions in the region. He noted that “there is some excitement” about moving forward.
The Trump plan is the latest in a long line of attempts to secure peace between Israel and Hamas. This version is supported by several Arab and Muslim-majority countries. It rejects earlier controversial ideas, such as resettling Gazans elsewhere, and does not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. However, both Israel and Hamas have yet to agree publicly.
Experts say that Gulf countries will only fully commit to the plan once there are clear timelines and guarantees for peace and rebuilding. Bader Al-Saif, a scholar from Kuwait University, said that while Gulf states back the plan’s goals, they need more details before taking firm steps. The coming days will show whether this proposal can bring lasting peace to Gaza.
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