**Trump Proposes Peace Plan for Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict** Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday presented a new peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has seen significant violence over the past two years. The plan, described by Trump as a landmark deal, is viewed by some as an ultimatum to Hamas. During a joint appearance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump outlined the proposal, stating that if Hamas does not comply, the U.S. would support Israel in taking necessary military actions. "Israel would have my full backing to finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas," Trump said. Under the plan, Trump would serve as the temporary chair of a new board responsible for Gaza's redevelopment. The proposal comes at a time when global concern has grown over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians have died due to the ongoing conflict. However, Hamas has indicated it may reject the plan, as it includes demands for disarmament and removal from power, which the group has publicly stated it will not accept. Taher al-Nounou, a senior Hamas official, remarked, "When it comes to this plan, no one contacted us, nor were we part of the negotiations around it." The peace plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, after which Hamas would have 72 hours to return all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased. In exchange, Israel would release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023. Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who disarm would be granted amnesty. While the proposal acknowledges Palestinian statehood as an aspiration, it lacks a clear pathway to achieving it. It states that conditions for statehood may be established as Gaza is rebuilt and a reform program is implemented. Hamas would be required to relinquish any governing role in Gaza, while Israel would gradually withdraw its forces, maintaining a buffer zone within Gaza's borders. Netanyahu emphasized that he would monitor Hamas's compliance with the agreement, warning that if Hamas rejects the plan, Israel would act independently. Elliott Abrams, a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies, noted that the military campaign has weakened Hamas, potentially forcing its leaders to consider the deal for their survival. The proposal also includes the establishment of a "Board of Peace," chaired by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, to oversee Gaza's governance until the Palestinian Authority can take over. Trump's plan envisions a redeveloped Gaza, referred to as "New Gaza," with a focus on economic growth and peaceful coexistence. It promises that no one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to stay will be encouraged to build a better future. The plan outlines a framework for international oversight and support, including the establishment of a temporary International Stabilization Force to assist in the transition. Despite the ambitious nature of the proposal, experts warn that it will require significant U.S. involvement and negotiation to be successful. Aaron David Miller, a former State Department official, stated, "This is not a throwaway ceasefire agreement. This is the full monty here, and at the top of this full monty sits one Donald Trump." The future of the proposal remains uncertain, particularly given Hamas's potential refusal to accept its terms and the ongoing complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.