US President Donald Trump took to social media on Sunday morning to hint at plans for improving the situation in the Middle East.
"We have a real chance for greatness in the Middle East. All are on board for something special, first time ever. We will get it done!!! President DJT," the President wrote.
While the post was unclear on exactly what "greatness" would look like and who "all" is referring to, it comes on the cusp of a meeting last week between the President and leaders of Arab and Muslim states and ahead of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
On Friday night, the President wrote a similar post, in which he stated: "I am pleased to report that we are having very inspired and productive discussions with the Middle Eastern community concerning Gaza. Intense negotiations have been going on for four days, and will continue for as long as necessary in order to get a successfully completed agreement."
Trump noted that "all of the countries within the region are involved, Hamas is very much aware of these discussions, and Israel has been informed at all levels, including Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. There is more goodwill and enthusiasm for getting a deal done, after so many decades, than I have ever seen before. Everyone is excited to put this period of death and darkness behind them. It is an honor to be a part of this negotiation. We must get the Hostages back, and get a permanent and long-lasting peace!"
On Saturday night, the Washington Post published further details about the Trump administration’s 21-point proposal aimed at ending the war, beginning with an immediate halt to military operations, the freezing of battle lines, and the release within 48 hours of all 20 living hostages and the remains of deceased hostages.
According to the report, the plan calls for the destruction of Hamas’s offensive weaponry and offers amnesty to members of the group who “commit to peaceful co-existence.” Members who choose to leave Gaza would be granted safe passage to other countries, according to the report.
Beyond the initial ceasefire and hostage release, the plan lacks detail on sequencing. It states that no Gazans will be forced to leave and that those who do will retain the right to return, but does not specify where they would go during the proposed “Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize” Gaza.