Shahood Asif, Lecturer, Jamia Ahmadiyya International Ghana
It is often said that one mistake cannot correct another. Once again, the Trump administration has presented the Muslim world, particularly the Palestinians, with what appears to be a glittering promise of peace. Yet beneath its shiny exterior lies a deeply biased plan.
The US proposal to resolve the Israel-Hamas conflict was never crafted in good faith, nor with the interests of the Palestinian people in mind. How then can one expect such a plan to bring lasting peace? The 20-point American peace plan is a façade – and its failure is already written on the wall.
A history of broken promises
Under US leadership, several peace processes, ceasefires, and negotiations have occurred between Israel and Palestine over the decades. Yet no comprehensive or lasting peace agreement has ever been fully implemented.
The Oslo Accords (1993, 1995) were the most comprehensive plans, where the PLO and Israel recognised each other and promised to renounce violence. Limited self-rule was granted to Palestinians in parts of the West Bank and Gaza. The US called it a foundation for a “two-state solution.” But violations on both sides, militant attacks, and expansion of illegal settlements meant the accords never translated into real peace.
In 2000, President Bill Clinton led Camp David talks between Yasser Arafat and Ehud Barak, but they also collapsed.
The 2003 Roadmap for Peace brought together the US, the EU, Russia, the UN, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority. Again, no concrete outcomes were achieved.
In 2007, President George W. Bush hosted peace talks in Annapolis. Once more, they led nowhere.
Why have all such efforts failed? The answer is simple. The side that holds power is never pressured into peace. The US and other international powers are unwilling to compel the occupying force to reach a just resolution, because it serves American strategic interests to maintain Israel as a dominant regional power – a constant threat hanging over the Muslim world.
Meanwhile, the Muslim nations lack the unity, leadership, and political will to confront this reality or demand justice. The Palestinian leadership is itself divided. No durable peace can be achieved while internal disunity persists.
The Trump peace plan: Biased by design
The latest US plan under the Trump administration reflects the same tired and unjust policies of the past. A closer look at its 20 points reveals that:
- The US is not pressuring Israel to accept a two-state solution at all.
- There is no firm timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
- The so-called International Security Force (ISF) will oversee training of Palestinian police – but for how long? No clarity is given. Will they be another oppressor force?
- Only after Gaza reconstruction and Palestinian compliance will the process of statehood begin, but there is no guarantee.
- Meanwhile, Israel’s hostages must be released immediately, and Hamas must unconditionally surrender all weapons.
- A “Peace Board” will supervise Palestine, chaired by none other than President Trump himself, who openly calls himself Israel’s best friend. He recognises Israel’s illegal control over the Golan Heights and backs expansionist Zionist policies.
Anyone with even a basic political understanding can see that this plan is designed entirely in Israel’s favour, offering no real path to Palestinian sovereignty.
False peace and uncertain future
If accepted, the only outcome this plan offers is that the Palestinians, including Hamas, would have to unconditionally lay down their arms, remain under Israeli control like subjugated people, and give up any form of resistance. Meanwhile, Israel would retain the right to strike at will, using Gaza as a testing ground for military technology.
This plan, like those before it, is doomed to fail. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly rejected the two-state solution and stated that any Gaza withdrawal would only occur on Israel’s terms. Some Israeli officials oppose the plan, calling it insufficient to protect Israel’s security.
Hamas has expressed willingness to release hostages; however, it has not shown agreement on all points of the plan and has indicated the need for further negotiations. For the past few days, talks have been taking place in Egypt, but Israel has yet to implement a complete ceasefire.
Judging by Israel’s attitude, it appears that, for now, it is mainly focused on securing the release of its hostages. It is possible that, under increasing international pressure, Israel may agree to a temporary ceasefire; however, until a genuine and comprehensive solution to the conflict is found, lasting peace will remain out of reach.
The only solution
The Palestine issue has only one solution – negotiations based on justice, honesty and truth should take place. Keeping the principle of coexistence in mind and respecting the views of Palestinians and Israelis, the Muslim Ummah and the world powers should make a joint decision. Both parties should be given land to live with full rights and freedom. All powers should then ensure that the decision is fully implemented.
Moreover, under the Quranic injunction, if the agreement is violated, all worldly powers should be obliged to restrain the oppressive party collectively. (Surah al-Hujarat, Ch.49: V.10) If this does not happen, the blood of innocents on both sides will continue to be shed.
After losing thousands of lives, Palestinians – and especially Hamas – should understand that terrorist attacks and violent actions never bring any benefit. On the contrary, Israel uses those attacks as a pretext to carry out further oppression and seize more land.
His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, the worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has consistently warned world powers to end double standards and establish true justice. He says:
“Justice and equity are of paramount importance in achieving lasting and sustainable peace. Thus, all the major powers must focus on establishing long-term and sustainable peace based upon the principles of fairness and true justice.”
He further appealed for Muslim unity in the face of oppression:
“In these circumstances, the Muslims should at least realise their responsibility and should pay heed. They must set aside their differences and must establish their unity. […] This is the only way of removing injustice from the world and of fulfilling the obligations of justice and of establishing the rights of the oppressed. In order to do so, the Muslims must raise a strong voice in unison whilst coming together for those that are down trodden across the world.”