A day following the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington where they introduced a ceasefire proposal, residents in Gaza are reacting to the plan.
The 20-point initiative involves the immediate release of all captives, living and deceased, and the disarmament of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. It also suggests the strip be overseen by a temporary international entity led by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Trump has given Hamas a deadline of three to four days to accept the proposal.
Gazans in Deir al Balah shared their thoughts on the plan with CBC News videographer Mohamed El Saife. While some cautiously welcomed Blair’s involvement, others doubted the potential for the plan to result in a Palestinian state that addresses their needs. They also questioned the motives of the plan’s architects.
Regarding Hamas’s governance role, support for the group appears to have waned after nearly two years of conflict. Nabil Al-Hissi expressed a desire for an alternative to Hamas, labeling the group as corrupt and calling for its eradication from Palestinian society. He emphasized the necessity of foreign intervention to remove Hamas for the benefit of Gazans.
On the subject of Tony Blair’s involvement, some individuals in Gaza are wary of his role, questioning the likelihood of the plan returning land to Palestinians and expressing doubts about Trump and Blair’s intentions to aid Palestinians. They perceive the proposal as a means for Israel to strengthen its military capabilities under the guise of peace efforts.
There are concerns about aid distribution in Gaza, with border delays leading residents like Al-Hissi to rely on community support for basic necessities. Despite these challenges, some view Blair positively, believing he could bring peace and essential resources to the region.
Wissam Afifa remains skeptical of the plan, viewing it as a move by Netanyahu to alleviate international pressure. He highlighted the absence of Arab and Muslim representation in the agreement’s formation and raised doubts about Blair’s alignment with Palestinian interests.
While acknowledging Hamas’s unsuitability for governing, Afifa lacks faith in Blair’s support for Palestinians and urges the inclusion of Arab and Muslim nations in decision-making processes to ensure the future of Gaza reflects Palestinian aspirations.
