Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken has publicly stated that President Donald Trump’s proposed 20-point peace plan for the Gaza Strip is built on a framework developed by the Biden administration. In a detailed post on X, Blinken outlined the origins of the peace agreement, which he claimed was not entirely original but rather a continuation of efforts begun under the previous administration. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the plan, noting that Arab states, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority had contributed significantly to its development.
Blinken also highlighted the challenges of implementing the post-war plan for Gaza, which includes establishing an international stabilization force, demilitarizing Hamas, and ensuring the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. He praised Trump for reaffirming key principles such as no annexation and no occupation, which are seen as essential steps toward achieving a sustainable peace in the region.
Trump, however, dismissed Blinken’s claims, calling them ‘a joke’ and criticizing the Biden administration for its perceived failures. During a press briefing aboard Air Force One, he accused previous leaders of ‘bad policy’ that allegedly led to the current crisis. Despite his public criticism, Trump was in Egypt on Monday to advance the second phase of the cease-fire, meeting with over 20 world leaders to solidify the agreement. His confidence in the deal has been called into question amid ongoing tensions and the complexity of the situation, leaving the long-term success of the agreement uncertain.
Blinken’s remarks also touched on the broader implications of the peace plan, noting that it represents a significant shift toward achieving a credible pathway to a Palestinian state. However, the political and security challenges of implementing such a plan remain substantial, and the international community, including Arab states and Turkey, has expressed satisfaction with the progress made under Trump’s leadership. The dispute over the origins of the plan underscores the intense political and diplomatic divisions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The situation highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the long-standing tensions in the Middle East. As the ceasefire takes effect, the focus will shift to the implementation of the post-war plan and the challenges of ensuring lasting peace. Despite the optimism expressed by both Blinken and Trump, the future of the conflict remains uncertain, with many questions still unanswered about the viability of the agreement and its potential impact on the region.