Gazans react with scepticism to new Trump peace plan
Residents of Gaza have voiced strong doubts about the effectiveness of a new peace plan unveiled by United States President Donald Trump on Monday. The proposal, aimed at ending the prolonged conflict in the region, was met with criticism and mistrust from many civilians who have endured nearly two years of war.
Speaking from a displacement shelter in Al-Mawasi, designated as a humanitarian zone in southern Gaza, 39-year-old computer programmer Ibrahim Joudeh said the plan felt disconnected from the realities on the ground.
“It’s clear that this plan is unrealistic,” he said, adding that the conditions set out by the United States and Israel were unlikely to be accepted by Hamas. “For us, that means the war and the suffering will continue.”
Joudeh is originally from Rafah, a city in southern Gaza that has been severely impacted by ongoing military operations since May.
Trump outlines 20-point roadmap for Gaza peace
President Trump’s 20-point peace proposal was announced following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The plan includes a call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, the disarmament of militant factions, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
One of the more controversial elements of the plan is the establishment of a transitional governing authority for Gaza. According to Trump’s outline, the transitional body would be led by international figures, including Trump himself, and would exclude Hamas and other militant groups from any form of participation.
The plan also calls for the deployment of an international stabilisation force to ensure security during the transition period.
Displaced civilians voice concerns over lack of trust
Many displaced residents questioned the motives behind the plan, expressing fears that it may be more focused on achieving short-term political goals than securing long-term peace.
Abu Mazen Nassar, 52, who is currently taking refuge in Deir el-Balah after fleeing his home in northern Gaza, voiced serious doubts about the intentions of the parties involved.
“This is all manipulation,” he said. “What does it mean to hand over all the prisoners without official guarantees to end the war?”
Nassar said he believed the proposal lacked credibility and that it was “too late” for any meaningful negotiations to change the course of events. “We as a people will not accept this farce,” he added.
Divided public opinion reflects war fatigue
While most residents expressed frustration and despair, a few still held on to cautious hope. Anas Sorour, a 31-year-old street vendor from Khan Yunis, said he remained optimistic despite the devastation.
“Despite everything we’ve lived through and lost in this war… I still have hope,” Sorour told reporters. “No war lasts forever. God willing, this will be the beginning of something better.”
However, for others like Najwa Muslim, a 29-year-old homemaker displaced from Gaza City, even the hope of peace feels out of reach.
“I haven’t only lost faith in the deal; I’ve lost faith in life,” she said from a shelter in central Gaza. “If there was a real intention to stop the war, they wouldn’t have waited this long.”
Continued violence undermines trust in diplomacy
On the same day the peace plan was revealed, local authorities in Gaza reported that at least 30 people were killed in airstrikes. The Gaza civil defense agency, which operates under Hamas authority, shared these figures as fighting continued in several parts of the territory.
The persistence of violence, despite repeated ceasefire attempts and international diplomacy, has left many residents disillusioned. Mohammed al-Beltaji, a 47-year-old from Gaza City, summed up the feelings of many: “As always, Israel agrees then Hamas refuses — or the other way around. It’s all a game, and we, the people, are the ones paying the price.”
A large plume of smoke was seen rising from a displacement camp in Khan Yunis earlier in the day, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian challenges facing those caught in the conflict.
