Summary
- Antony Blinken supports Trump’s Gaza plan.
- Plan aligns with Biden-era negotiations.
- Blinken expressed support Thursday publicly.
- Both plans focus on Gaza peace.
He also recognized the framework's drawbacks, such as letting Israel decide when the circumstances permit a complete withdrawal from Gaza.
“I do think it’s cause for some hope. I certainly hope that the plan gets fully accepted, fully adopted and fully implemented,”
Blinken said.
“This is essentially the plan that developed over many months and more or less (was) left in a drawer for the incoming administration, and I’m very, very glad they picked it up,”
he told the podcast of former federal prosecutor Preet Bharara.
“There’s some loopholes that they could drive a truck through if they wanted to,”
Blinken said of Israel.
After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, Blinken made a dozen trips to the Middle East, eventually trying to persuade both parties to agree to a truce while Israel launched an unrelenting counteroffensive.
On January 19, Biden's last day in office, Israel and Hamas ultimately reached a ceasefire agreement, supported by Trump's new envoy.
However, Israel resumed significant military operations in Gaza in March and blocked all food supplies, resulting in severe humanitarian conditions. The UN has declared famine in some areas of the devastated Gaza Strip.
In a White House appearance on Monday, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both supported the idea and threatened Hamas with severe repercussions if it rejects it.
Although the idea was hailed by world powers, especially Arab and Muslim countries, some individuals AFP spoke with in Gaza argued it was impractical because it required Hamas to disarm itself.
What are the main differences between Blinken's and Trump's Gaza plans?
Blinken’s plan showcases the Biden administration's post-war management strategy for Gaza that has been in the works for months. The plan features a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) representing both the West Bank and Gaza with the process of forming a transitional government with international support.
It also proposes a security force with both vetted members of the PA and international officers, designed to avoid the resurgence of Hamas.
Blinken emphasizes it is vital to provide a "credible political horizon" for Palestinians, while promoting governance and reconstruction while preventing further insurgency.
It was mentioned that Israel would determine when or if it would withdraw completely. However, Blinken emphasized that in doing this responsibly, Israel would have certain caveats and conditions related to security that could postpone Israel's ultimate withdrawal.