The prohibition on annexation and the settlement freeze form central pillars of Trump's ambitious 21-point plan to end the Gaza war, shared with Arab and Muslim leaders during UN General Assembly meetings in New York on Tuesday. These provisions, which could reshape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict's trajectory, come as Netanyahu faces intense pressure from extremist coalition partners pushing for West Bank annexation ahead of his scheduled UN address on Friday and White House meeting with Trump next week.
According to sources who spoke to The National, the comprehensive proposal goes beyond the settlement restrictions to include provisions for a long-term Gaza truce, Hamas disarmament, Israel's gradual withdrawal from Gaza, and the exile of Hamas leadership. Simultaneously, Trump is pursuing a security agreement between Syria and Israel, marking what could be the most significant U.S. peace initiative in the region in decades.
The plan addresses the humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza's two million residents, where starvation is widespread with pockets of famine. Under the framework, wounded Palestinians would receive medical care abroad, and civilians wishing to leave the devastated territory would be permitted to do so. Humanitarian aid would flow unimpeded into Gaza as Israeli forces gradually withdraw.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi characterized the Trump plan as an "important foundation that can be built on" in a Wednesday social media post. However, his measured response suggested Cairo harbors some reservations. Sources indicate Arab nations, including Egypt, remain reluctant to participate in Hamas's disarmament or Gaza policing, fearing involvement could draw them into inter-Palestinian conflicts.
The reconstruction of Gaza would be primarily funded by Arab states, with an international force including U.S. and Arab troops policing the territory. "The Americans and the Egyptians have opened channels to discuss the plan in detail," one source revealed.
Parallel to the Gaza initiative, Trump is advancing Syrian-Israeli normalization efforts. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with Trump briefly in New York this week, with a Syrian Foreign Ministry official confirming that an official meeting between the two leaders is forthcoming. The encounter, which included an introduction to First Lady Melania Trump, signals warming U.S.-Syrian relations following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
A Syrian source indicated Al Shara traveled to New York "knowing that he has no choice" but to proceed with a security deal with Israel, given Syria's desperate need for U.S. support in reconstruction funding and sanctions removal. The anticipated agreement would represent Syria's most significant diplomatic development since the downfall of Assad.
Trump expressed optimism Thursday about reaching a Gaza deal, stating at the White House: "I have to meet with Israel. I think we can complete that one. I hope we can complete it. A lot of people are dying, but we want the hostages back." Hamas currently holds approximately 48 hostages, with 20 believed alive.