Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken has asserted that the recently proposed 20-point ceasefire agreement by former President Donald Trump is rooted in a plan initially developed during the Biden administration. In a detailed thread on social media platform X, Blinken analyzed the historical context of the agreement, emphasizing the shifting dynamics in the Middle East, particularly regarding the perceived decline of Hamas as a military entity.
According to Blinken, the Trump administration’s approach capitalizes on a growing sentiment among Middle Eastern nations that they have reached a breaking point with Hamas. He noted that Israel’s military actions have significantly diminished Hamas’s organizational capabilities. Blinken highlighted that in January 2024, the Biden administration had briefly facilitated a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that resulted in the release of 135 hostages, although this truce ultimately collapsed within months.
Understanding the Ceasefire Framework
In his analysis, Blinken questioned the sustainability of Trump’s ceasefire and the mechanisms that would ensure lasting peace in the region. “It starts with a clear and comprehensive post-conflict plan for Gaza,” Blinken stated. He praised Trump for adopting elements from the Biden administration’s plan, which involved extensive discussions with Arab partners, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority.
Blinken elaborated that the proposed framework emphasizes temporary governance structures in Gaza, focusing on security, humanitarian aid, and rebuilding efforts. He noted that these efforts would be spearheaded by a coalition of Arab and international partners, with a significant role for Palestinians, ultimately transitioning control to Palestinian authorities.
During a flight aboard Air Force One, a reporter read Blinken’s comments to Trump, who responded with criticism aimed at the Biden administration. Trump claimed that the current geopolitical challenges, including the conflict in Ukraine, are indicative of poor policy decisions made by Biden and his predecessor, Barack Obama. “Everybody knows it’s a joke,” Trump remarked, asserting that a more competent president could have averted these conflicts.
Details of Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal
As Trump continues discussions in Egypt regarding the second phase of the ceasefire, details of his plan have emerged. Central to the agreement is the establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) intended to provide security in Gaza. This force is expected to incorporate vetted Palestinian police forces to help maintain order.
The governance structure proposed in Trump’s plan includes a “temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee,” which would report to an international board led by Trump himself. This aspect of the plan highlights a significant shift in the governance approach for Gaza, aiming to stabilize the region after prolonged conflict.
As the situation evolves, the effectiveness of these agreements—and their potential for fostering lasting peace—will be closely scrutinized by international observers and stakeholders in the region.
