Trump’s 20-point Middle East peace plan faces critical test as Gaza ceasefire creates window for lasting regional transformation and Hamas disarmament efforts.
—
It’snoexaggerationtosaythattheMiddleEastisinacompletelydifferentplacethanitwasthistimelastyear–andthatisthanksentirelytotheindefatigabilityofthestateofIsraelandPresidentDonaldTrump’sjudiciousapplicationofAmericanpower.
Withthelivinghostagesreleased,andan(albeitshaky)ceasefireinplace,wehaveawindowofopportunitytoimplementtherestofPresidentTrump’s20-pointpeaceplan.It’sgoingtobedifficultandwillrequirequick,decisiveactionandcontinuedpressureonHamasanditspatronsinIrantohaveanychanceofsuccess.
Hamasdidnotagreetothefirstphaseofthisplanbecausetheywantedpeace:theydidsobecausetheywerebackedintoacorner.Sincetheceasefirewentintoeffect,they’veturnedtheirfireontheirownpeopletopurgeanypoliticalrivalsandterrorizethepopulationintoacceptingtheircontinuedrule.AndHamasleadersarehopingthattheceasefireandthedifficultiesinvolvedinenforcingthepea
