A recent proposition aims for Hamas to disarm in Gaza in exchange for Israel pulling out of the 70% of Gaza it currently occupies. This plan, announced by former US President Trump’s Board of Peace, offers a rare glimmer of hope for diplomatic progress in a region devastated by war and destruction.

Life in Gaza remains catastrophic for over 2 million Palestinian civilians living in desperate conditions. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the UN, Israel killed more than 70,000 Palestinians during the war and over 1,000 more since the ceasefire.

Despite the apparent simplicity of the bargain, the realities of politics, ongoing conflict, deep mistrust, and the scale of devastation make any agreement highly complicated. Some critics of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu suggest he may seek a major crisis in the West Bank to justify a tough response ahead of elections and to avoid pressure to withdraw from Gaza.

Handled carefully, however, the plan could mark a rare opportunity to make diplomatic progress in a bleak situation.

Sources: