Trumping the Headlines: The President’s Lucrative Role in the Peace Deal

On the 29^th of September, Trump, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, announced his  20-point peace plan between Gaza and Israel. This marks the beginning of a ceasefire following the 2 years of conflict that has dominated the news. 

However, it is important to note that 2 years may not cover the whole story. Palestine was originally occupied in WW1 by Britain. For those familiar with the work of the British  Empire, it may not come as a shock that this then led to a series of internal conflicts across  Palestinian land. Over the years, the majority Arab community and growing Jewish community post-WW2 engaged in a series of increasingly violent disputes over the land.  Both communities had legitimate rights to the land, with Arabs originally residing in Palestine, and the Balfour Declaration establishing a dedicated area for the Jewish population.  Britain eventually abstained and left the UN to attempt to divide the land. As it currently stands, West Jerusalem stands as the capital of Israel, and the Palestinian Authority controls most of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza. Israeli settlements remain there despite being deemed illegal by the UN. This conflict has been longstanding and paramount across the Middle East, having involved multiple other nations. 

On the 7^th of October, 2023, Hamas (the elected leaders of Palestine) launched an attack from Gaza on Israel. This marked the beginning of the conflict that we have come to be so familiar with. Trump’s plan has understandably caused a great deal of relief for the citizens who have been so deeply affected by the war. In summary, his deal entails that Gaza will become a ‘terror-free zone’, redeveloped under the Trump economic development plan, and sent aid. It states that a ceasefire will be enacted immediately, and eventually all hostages must be released, with 15 Palestinian hostages for every Israeli returned. Hamas must decommission their weapons, have no involvement in the governance of Gaza and will instead adopt a Palestinian committee – the Board of Peace - which will be chaired by Trump himself. Israel should not occupy Gaza, and the IDF will withdraw. 

Regardless of your political position, the enactment of the first phase was a tremendous moment. The exchange of hostages marks the beginning of peace – a landmark for Palestinians and Israelis alike. Many civilians have lived most of their lives in conflict.  Nearly all have lost their homes, their friends, or their family. This was a day to be celebrated and remembered. After 2 years of the conflict dominating the news, witnessing images of relieved civilians celebrating the return of their people was truly refreshing. However, it was incredibly hard to ignore the looming images of Trump’s smug face splashed across the media. 

In all fairness, credit where credit is due: a peace deal has been debated for months, and without Trump's influence, it is likely the conflict would have continued. Yet there seemed to be significantly more information on the President's appearances across the Middle East than the hostages themselves. For anyone familiar with Trump’s work, it is not hard to imagine his depiction throughout this. Having labelled this the ‘Trump plan’, delegating himself as the leader of organisations that he may not have the experience to lead and dictating the entire process, it is clear that he will not let his role go unnoticed. Following the implementation of the first phase, he posed on a red carpet alongside leaders with a sign reading ‘PEACE 2025’. This was not just a momentous moment for world peace, but a show in which he could be the leading star. 

Trump’s instinctive belief in American power is unparalleled. As a president, he is not known for his intelligence or experience, but instead for his confidence and self-belief (which others may call ego). He casually commented to the Israeli President regarding Netanyahu's trial for corruption, asking, ‘Why don't you just give him a pardon?’ He sees his power everywhere, believing that his way is the right way. While this deal is an incredibly important first step towards peace, it appears that Trump is playing this game exactly the way he wants to. 

Despite Trump’s unshaken belief that only he could, and has, resolved years of tension and violence, there is much left to unpack. Following his heavy media presence, there has been very little recognition of the work of the mediators who have been integral in the ceasefire.  Further, Hamas has still not committed to any terms for disarmament – a key feature in the  20-point plan, and the Israeli government has been left split. Trump has yet to clarify how the reconstruction of Gaza will commence. Rory Stewart, an experienced politician and diplomat, noted that 3 things are needed for rebuilding:  governance, security, and economic development. We are yet to know any of the President's plans for this. Furthermore, it is important to note Trump’s intention behind the plan. Whilst it would be lovely to assume this was an act of pure devotion to world peace, I fear that may not be the case.  This plan may have boosted his image across the world, however whilst he has been busy promoting peace in the Middle East, he still fuels hate across his own nation. Polarisation in  America is at an all-time high with democrats furiously campaigning in mayoral elections and mass communities pushing back against ICE. Trump is not exactly the poster boy for justice. 

It has been argued that Trump’s motivations are centred on his goals to secure gas routes through the Middle East under the Qatari Gas Project. Furthermore, the deal commenced post-Israel's strike on Qatar, a key US ally. This was arguably not a deal for the Gazan people, but a deal to further his own strategies.  There is so much that could be covered between Israel and Gaza. This conflict has extended much beyond the 2 years that we have become so familiar with. While this deal is an amazing step towards ending the terrible suffering of thousands of innocent people, its portrayal in the media was much less: a stage for Trump to triumph.  His message, that he was the focal point of a historical moment, was not glossed over. 

Trump’s imagery throughout his rise in politics has been extremely controversial. Some describe him as patriotic, strong, and unwavering; others use words like divisive, polarising,  and manipulative. Either way, his bold personality and motivations have only been furthered by his leading role in this plan. It is important to both recognise this and see past it. We must appreciate the deal from a political perspective, both in its strengths and weaknesses. We must advocate for aid and reconstruction for those who have been affected. We must hope this is a great step towards peace for Gaza and Israel - not simply another piece in Trump’s game of Monopoly.

Words by Chloe Wu, she/her