Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump recently unveiled a new peace plan for Gaza, but the absence of Arab leaders at the announcement raised questions about its credibility. The plan, which includes 20 points, aims to address the ongoing conflict but has been criticized as lacking genuine commitment to peace.

During the announcement, no representatives from key Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, or Egypt were present. This absence is significant, as their involvement could have lent the proposal much-needed legitimacy in the Arab world. Critics argue that the plan resembles a hostage deal rather than a true peace agreement, with vague references to future security contributions from Arab nations as Gaza attempts to rebuild.

Netanyahu has faced international scrutiny, including an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, which he denies. He attributes civilian casualties to Hamas fighters operating within civilian areas. Meanwhile, Trump has been criticized for failing to leverage his position to pressure Netanyahu into accepting a two-state solution, a long-standing goal in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated, with reports indicating that over 60,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict intensified. UNICEF has highlighted the tragic loss of life, stating that an average of 28 children are killed daily in Gaza. Despite the devastation, Netanyahu appears unwilling to shift his stance on Palestinian statehood, which he has opposed throughout his political career.

Trump's plan includes provisions for reforming the Palestinian Authority, but critics argue that if these reforms are deemed insufficient by Netanyahu, the ceasefire could be revoked. This raises concerns about the plan's effectiveness in achieving lasting peace.

The historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict underscores the challenges of reaching a resolution. Previous U.S. administrations have attempted to guide Israel toward a two-state solution, but Netanyahu's government has consistently resisted such efforts. The current situation is further complicated by ongoing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, where Israeli settlers have been documented committing acts of aggression.

Despite the grim realities on the ground, Trump has stated that no one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to stay will be encouraged to build a better future. However, skepticism remains regarding the sincerity of this commitment, especially given the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which many view as illegal under international law.

As the situation continues to evolve, the effectiveness of Trump's peace plan and its potential to bring about a resolution to the conflict remains uncertain. The absence of a clear commitment to Palestinian self-determination and the ongoing violence in the region highlight the complexities that any peace initiative must address to be successful.