Gaza Residents Dismiss Trump's Peace Plan as Unrealistic Amid Ongoing Conflict

The plan outlines a Gaza ceasefire, hostage release by Hamas, Hamas disarmament, and Israeli withdrawal.

Washington:

Gaza residents expressed skepticism regarding President Donald Trump's newly unveiled peace proposal on Monday, characterizing it as an impractical plan that fails to terminate the ongoing conflict.

"This plan clearly lacks practicality," Ibrahim Joudeh, 39, told AFP from his shelter in Al-Mawasi's humanitarian zone in southern Gaza.

"It contains stipulations that both the US and Israel understand Hamas would never accept. For Palestinians, this signals the continuation of warfare and suffering," explained the computer programmer, who originally resided in Rafah, a southern city devastated by military operations that commenced in May.

These residents shared their perspectives shortly after Trump presented his 20-point peace framework aimed at ending the conflict, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed following their discussions at the White House.

The proposal calls for implementing a ceasefire, securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, disarming Hamas, and facilitating a gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.

Additional key elements include deploying a "temporary international stabilization force" and establishing a transitional authority headed by Trump himself alongside other international leaders.

The plan explicitly states that Hamas and other militant organizations would be prohibited from participating in Gaza's governance in any capacity—directly, indirectly, or otherwise.

Abu Mazen Nassar, 52, shared similar pessimism, expressing concern that the plan might deceive Palestinian factions into releasing hostages without securing peace.

"This is purely manipulation. What does surrendering all prisoners without formal guarantees to end the war accomplish?" questioned Nassar, who was displaced from northern Gaza to Deir el-Balah in central Gaza.

"As Palestinians, we reject this charade," he stated, adding: "Regardless of Hamas's decision regarding this deal, it's too late."

"Hamas has abandoned us and submerged us in the crisis they created."

- Persistent Hope Amid Widespread Disillusionment -

Some individuals, like Anas Sorour, a 31-year-old vendor from Khan Yunis who relocated to Al-Mawasi, maintained cautious optimism.

"Despite everything we've endured and sacrificed during this conflict... I still harbor hope," Sorour shared with AFP.

"No conflict persists indefinitely. I feel particularly optimistic now, and hopefully this will bring joy that helps us overcome our suffering and distress," he added.

However, others like Najwa Muslim, a 29-year-old homemaker, could no longer envision positive change.

"I've not only lost confidence in peace proposals; I've lost faith in life itself," Muslim told AFP from central Gaza, where she sought sanctuary after being displaced from Gaza City, currently under intensive Israeli military operations.

"If genuine intent existed to halt this war, they wouldn't have delayed this long. That's why I distrust their statements."

On Monday, Israeli strikes killed at least 30 people throughout Gaza, according to Gaza's civil defense agency, which operates under Hamas authority.

Following nearly two years of conflict and numerous attempted ceasefire agreements for Gaza, each new announcement generates skepticism, even when Trump publicly presented a proposal Monday alongside a cautious Netanyahu in an unprecedented diplomatic gesture.

Mohammed al-Beltaji, 47, from Gaza City, summarized his perspective on negotiations to AFP.

"The pattern remains consistent—Israel agrees then Hamas refuses, or vice versa. It's merely political theater, with civilians bearing the consequences."

Earlier Monday, a substantial column of black smoke rose above hundreds of displacement camp tents in Khan Yunis.