Tuesday's meeting at the White House between U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revived long-fading hopes for peace in the Middle East. The 21-point plan presented there is not just another diplomatic proposal; it is a serious attempt to chart a path out of the Gaza war and offer both peoples a new horizon.
The plan rests on three central ideas: an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities and the transfer of authority in Gaza to an international or moderate Palestinian body, and the reconstruction of Gaza with broad international backing. Netanyahu expressed cautious support but attached conditions, particularly continued Israeli security control and only a gradual withdrawal. Hamas, meanwhile, has remained silent—a silence that highlights concerns that disarmament would remove it from the political arena altogether.
For the proposal to move beyond headlines, it must be anchored in a credible enforcement mechanism that answers critical questions: who will monitor compliance, who will hold violators accountable, and how will implementation on the ground be ensured. That requires not only U.S. and Israeli support but also active participation from Arab states and the wider international community. Financial commitments are no less vital. Without a regional reconstruction fund and substantial backing from Gulf states, rebuilding Gaza will stall. Without Egyptian and Jordanian involvement, border areas will remain volatile and prone to renewed conflict.
If carried out, the plan could reshape the regional order. A ceasefire and the release of hostages would provide immediate humanitarian relief. Civilian administration in Gaza could restore hope to its residents. International oversight might reduce mistrust and build deterrence, while comprehensive reconstruction could lay the foundations for lasting stability. Yet the plan’s greatest promise lies not only in Gaza itself but in the regional dimension: the possibility of expanding the Abraham Accords.
If the initiative proves workable, it could serve as a powerful diplomatic lever. The countries already part of the accords—the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan—could deepen their economic and political cooperation with Israel. States that have so far hesitated, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman, may see progress in Gaza as a reason to join the circle of peace. Such a development could move Israel from isolation to greater integration in the region, while Palestinians would stand to benefit from investment, infrastructure, and partnerships.
To transform vision into reality, several elements are essential. An international monitoring committee that includes the United States, Arab states, the United Nations, and the European Union must provide oversight. A multinational reconstruction fund must focus on rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure, education, and employment sectors. Transparency will be crucial to convince both Israelis and Palestinians that the plan serves their people rather than only political elites. At the same time, a parallel diplomatic track must work to broaden the Abraham Accords.
Munir DahirThe Trump-21 Plan is no miracle cure. It is partial, controversial, and potentially dangerous if pursued half-heartedly. But if carried out with determination, fairness, and genuine regional cooperation, it could mark the dawn of a new era—not merely the end of a war, but the first step toward comprehensive regional peace that includes Gaza, Israel, and the Arab states.