Trump new Gaza ‘peace’ plan presented to Arab, Muslim leaders

U.S. President Donald Trump has presented a new proposal aimed at ending the nearly two-year war in Gaza, according to his envoy Steve Witkoff. The announcement comes as Israeli forces escalate their military campaign in Gaza City, where dozens were reported killed on Wednesday.

A 21-Point Peace Plan

Witkoff, who has been involved in ongoing mediation efforts, told participants at a summit held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly that Trump outlined a “21-point plan for peace in the Mideast and Gaza” during a meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders earlier this week.

“We’re hopeful, and I might say even confident, that in the coming days we’ll be able to announce some sort of breakthrough,” Witkoff said. While he did not disclose specific details of the plan, he stressed that it takes into account both Israeli security concerns and the interests of neighboring countries.

A joint statement from the attending governments reaffirmed their willingness to cooperate with Trump and underscored the importance of U.S. leadership in securing an end to the conflict.

Mixed International Reactions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the wave of recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by Australia, Britain, Canada, and France, calling them a “shameful capitulation” to terrorism. Netanyahu made it clear that Israel does not recognize the establishment of a Palestinian state and will not be bound by these international moves.

Meanwhile, Arab leaders at the meeting with Trump signaled cautious optimism, though they stressed the urgency of halting the bloodshed and providing humanitarian relief to civilians trapped in Gaza.

Escalation in Gaza

On the ground, Israeli forces intensified their assault on Gaza City, leading to mass displacement and mounting casualties. According to Gaza’s civil defense agency, at least 40 people were killed in airstrikes on Wednesday, including 22 in a warehouse sheltering families near the Firas market. Witnesses reported that several children were among the victims.

Additional strikes near Khan Yunis in southern Gaza killed eight more civilians, according to local officials. Israel’s military acknowledged hitting Hamas operatives in northern Gaza but said it was unaware of the incident near Khan Yunis.

The mounting civilian toll highlights the peril faced by families with limited access to safe passage, shelter, or transportation. “You want us to evacuate, but how can we when we have no money, no vehicles, and no place to go?” said Thaer Saqr, a resident whose sister was killed as the family attempted to flee south.

Humanitarian Struggles and Safe Zones

Israel has designated Al-Mawasi in southern Gaza as a “humanitarian area,” urging civilians to relocate there. Yet, reports from aid groups and residents indicate that the zone itself has been repeatedly targeted, undermining its credibility as a safe refuge.

Displaced families continue to sleep outdoors, often in crowded conditions, with food, clean water, and medical aid scarce. “These distributions are death traps,” said Hosni Abu Amsha, whose nephew was killed near an aid center.

Growing International Scrutiny

The humanitarian disaster is drawing increasing condemnation worldwide. A recent United Nations investigation accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza, charges Israel strongly denies. The conflict, which began with a Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, that killed 1,219 Israelis, has since claimed over 65,000 Palestinian lives, according to figures from Gaza’s health ministry that the U.N. has deemed credible.

Despite the devastating toll, Hamas remains defiant, while Israel insists its offensive is essential to dismantle the militant group’s infrastructure and force the release of remaining hostages.