On Wednesday, Iraq expressed strong support for a comprehensive plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at resolving the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza, rebuilding the devastated region, and preventing the forced displacement of Palestinians. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry released a statement on the social media platform X, praising specific elements of Trump’s initiative, including its focus on halting the conflict, reconstructing Gaza, preventing the forced displacement of Palestinians, and opposing the annexation of the West Bank. The ministry voiced optimism that the plan could alleviate the immense suffering endured by Palestinians in Gaza, facilitate the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid, and block any efforts to displace the population.
The announcement from Iraq comes in the context of a broader regional response to Trump’s proposal, which has garnered attention from several nations in the Middle East and beyond. On Tuesday, Qatar confirmed that Hamas, the Palestinian resistance group, had received the proposed plan from mediators late Monday. Qatar reported that Hamas pledged to review the proposal “responsibly,” signaling a willingness to engage with the initiative, though no final stance was immediately disclosed. This development suggests that diplomatic channels remain active, with mediators working to bridge gaps between the conflicting parties.
Further regional support for Trump’s plan was evident in a joint statement issued on Monday by the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt. The ministers expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to chart a path toward peace, highlighting the potential of his proposal to address the longstanding conflict. This collective endorsement underscores the plan’s significance as a potential turning point in the region, with multiple nations aligning behind the U.S.-led initiative.
Trump unveiled his 20-point plan to end Israel’s war on Gaza during a White House press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. The plan outlines a multi-faceted approach to resolving the conflict, addressing both immediate and long-term challenges. Key components include the release of all Israeli captives held in Gaza in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners, the complete disarmament of Hamas, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave, and the establishment of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee to govern Gaza. The plan also introduces the possibility of a pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, though it stops short of guaranteeing such an outcome, leaving room for further negotiations.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which intensified in October 2023, has resulted in catastrophic consequences for the Palestinian population. According to reports, over 66,100 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed in the conflict. The relentless bombardment has rendered Gaza largely uninhabitable, destroying critical infrastructure, homes, and public services. The humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by widespread starvation and the outbreak of diseases, as access to food, clean water, and medical supplies remains severely restricted. The scale of devastation has drawn international condemnation and heightened calls for an immediate ceasefire and robust humanitarian intervention.
Iraq’s endorsement of Trump’s plan reflects a broader regional desire to see an end to the violence and suffering in Gaza. The Foreign Ministry’s statement emphasized the importance of ensuring unrestricted humanitarian aid to address the dire needs of Gaza’s population. The ministry also highlighted the need to prevent forced displacement, a concern rooted in fears that military operations or political maneuvers could lead to the permanent expulsion of Palestinians from their homeland. By opposing the annexation of the West Bank, Iraq signaled its commitment to preserving Palestinian territorial rights and supporting a just resolution to the conflict.
The regional response, including endorsements from countries like Türkiye, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, suggests a growing consensus on the need for a diplomatic solution. The foreign ministers’ joint statement reflects confidence in Trump’s leadership, likely due to his administration’s proactive engagement with both Israeli and Palestinian stakeholders. The inclusion of mediators, as noted by Qatar’s announcement regarding Hamas’s receipt of the plan, indicates that diplomatic efforts are being channeled through established frameworks to ensure all parties have a voice in the process.
Trump’s 20-point plan represents a bold attempt to address one of the most intractable conflicts in the Middle East. The proposal’s emphasis on prisoner exchanges and Hamas’s disarmament aims to address Israel’s security concerns, while the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and the establishment of a technocratic governance structure seek to create conditions for stability in Gaza. The mention of Palestinian self-determination, though not guaranteed, introduces a critical element of hope for Palestinians seeking greater autonomy and recognition on the global stage.
However, the plan’s success hinges on its implementation and the willingness of all parties to compromise. Hamas’s commitment to reviewing the proposal “responsibly” suggests an openness to dialogue, but the group’s final position remains uncertain. Similarly, Israel’s agreement to the plan’s terms, particularly the withdrawal of forces and the prisoner exchange, will be crucial to moving forward. The technocratic committee proposed to govern Gaza could serve as a neutral body to rebuild trust and infrastructure, but its formation and effectiveness will depend on the cooperation of both Palestinian factions and the international community.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a pressing concern, with over 66,100 deaths and widespread destruction underscoring the urgency of a resolution. The international community, including the United Nations and various aid organizations, has called for immediate action to address the starvation and disease plaguing the enclave. Trump’s plan, if implemented, could provide a framework for delivering aid and rebuilding Gaza, but it will require significant resources and coordination among regional and global actors.
Iraq’s support, combined with the endorsements from other nations, highlights the regional momentum behind Trump’s initiative. The plan’s focus on halting the war, rebuilding Gaza, and preventing displacement aligns with the priorities of many Middle Eastern countries that have long advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community will be closely watching the responses from Hamas, Israel, and other stakeholders to determine whether this plan can deliver the lasting peace it envisions.
In conclusion, the unveiling of Trump’s 20-point plan marks a significant moment in the ongoing effort to resolve the conflict in Gaza. With Iraq and other regional powers expressing support, and Hamas indicating a willingness to engage, the plan has the potential to shift the dynamics of the conflict. However, the challenges of implementation, coupled with the deep-seated mistrust between the parties, mean that sustained diplomatic efforts and international cooperation will be essential to achieving a lasting resolution. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands urgent action, and the success of this plan could determine whether the region moves toward peace or remains mired in violence and suffering.
