Is It a Path to Peace for the Palestinians or a Blueprint for Neo-Colonization?

"ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!" Donald Trump.

Dr Pamelia Riviere 

Donald Trump recently expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations with Hamas, suggesting they are progressing well and that a peace plan for the Middle East could be a significant achievement. He highlighted the potential for an immediate return of hostages and stated that discussions are currently underway, with a positive outlook from those involved. On a related note, Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on Sunday morning on Fox News programs to address concerns about the negotiations. The State Department released the interview on October 05, 2025.He dismissed claims that Hamas was merely stalling the process and reaffirmed that Hamas has accepted the framework of Trump’s proposal for the hostages’ release. While there are still challenges in a war-torn region, Rubio emphasized that reality must be acknowledged, and progress is being made despite the complexities. He also noted that leaks from the White House indicated tensions between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the acceptance of Hamas's response to the proposed peace plan. Rubio pointed out that, historically, narratives of discord between the U.S. and Israel have been used to justify prolonged conflicts. However, it appears that Trump recognizes the political repercussions of the ongoing violence and is motivated to bring an end to it, Al Jazeera reported on October 05, 2025.

Can a 'one-sided, unserious' US plan truly deliver peace to Gaza? 

Al Jazeera Podcast used that headline on October 04, 2025. The U.S. initiative to bring an end to Israel's ongoing conflict with Gaza seems to be meticulously crafted, overseen, and administered predominantly by individuals who possess a fervent pro-Israel bias. Stephen Walt, a distinguished professor of international relations at Harvard University, articulates this sentiment. “We’ve seen this movie before,” Walt asserts during his conversation with host Steve Clemons. He raises concerns about the inherent flaws within the framework set forth by the U.S. 

President Donald Trump has allowed Israel to unilaterally claim that the Palestinian side is not meeting its obligations, thereby justifying a renewal of hostilities. 

Walt warns that Israel, increasingly perceived as a destabilizing force by other nations in the region, appears to be facing a foreboding future. The proposed plan, markedly inflexible, presents Hamas with a stark ultimatum: accept the terms or face dire consequences. While some may view the plan favorably, its specifics remain ambiguous. 

Notably, Hamas is excluded from the negotiations surrounding this initiative, effectively sidelining its voice and perspective. The question of whether Hamas will comply with such terms hangs in the balance. The situation prompts fair-minded observers to scrutinize the viability of achieving a lasting peace and establishing a Palestinian state. Echoes of the Oslo process resonate in the background, suggesting a pathway to statehood that may be little more than an elusive promise. 

Trump has been threatening Hamas with "hell" for months

 The threat of hell was a green signal to Netanyahu. He ordered to assault Gaza terribly every day and killed close to 100 Palestinians every day, including killing the starving food seekers in the food aid locations. 

The ceasefire plan takes on a menacing undertone when Trump implies that Netanyahu will take action if Hamas rejects the terms. This raises troubling implications about the disregard for civilian lives, as it appears that humanitarian concerns are secondary to political maneuvering. 

The implications of influential figures like Tony Blair and Jared Kushner in this context seem limited; their ability to achieve peace is undermined by their disconnect from the Palestinian experience, particularly given the lack of trust Palestinians have in Blair’s leadership for his controversial role in the Iraq massacre. 

After the assault in Doha, what is Qatar's stance? 

In a broader context, the Abraham Accords have ignited a series of peace initiatives between Israel and several Middle Eastern nations, but skepticism about their long-term success lingers. What sort of agreement emerges from this tumultuous backdrop? Qatar serves as a pivotal base for American involvement, yet deep-seated dissatisfaction has emerged among Qataris regarding events in Doha related to the peace negotiations. Distrust towards Trump runs deep, primarily due to past breaches of promises, which have led Qatar to seek new allies and potentially form NATO-like partnerships for enhanced security. 

Military intervention, historically a last resort, has paradoxically become a standard tool for regime change, positioning the U.S. at the center of global conflicts. The U.S. military’s deployment across various regions, including provocative actions against Iran, raises questions about America’s strategic intentions. Although Trump has publicly expressed a reluctance to engage in ground invasions, his commitment to maintaining military strength remains unwavering. As the world contemplates the U.S.'s goals regarding international conflict resolution, uncertainty looms large, leaving many to wonder what the future holds in this complex geopolitical landscape.

 Dramatic shift in regional dynamics

The current situation in the region is marked by significant violence and destruction, particularly impacting the Palestinian people. This has led to concerns about the consequences of Israel's ongoing military actions. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his administration seem to perceive continuous warfare as a means to achieve their strategic objectives, which is alarming given the reported toll of casualties in such a densely populated area. 

Alastair Croke said that in response to recent military actions, such as the attack on Doha, an emergency summit was convened among Arab and Islamic leaders.  However, this meeting yielded no substantial outcomes, which is typical for such gatherings. Nevertheless, the statements made by representatives, particularly from countries like Pakistan and Algeria, were strikingly strong, with references to war crimes and genocide regarding Israel's actions. 

shift in rhetoric signals a growing discontent and rejection of Israel in the region. Gulf states are increasingly recognizing their vulnerability to security threats. The attack on Doha, likely coordinated with prior knowledge from American military sources who monitor Israeli aircraft, has caused unease among these nations. Many had believed that aligning with U.S. policy on Iran would suffice for their protection. However, the recent attacks have shaken this perception, revealing vulnerabilities they had underestimated. 

For instance, Egypt has recently deployed Chinese air defence systems throughout the Sinai Peninsula in anticipation of potential threats, reflecting an increased level of concern. Jordan's King Abdullah expressed similar anxiety, particularly with Israeli troop movements near the Jordanian border, leading to the reinstatement of conscription in Jordan as a precautionary measure. 

Overall, these events suggest a shift in regional dynamics, potentially favouring a pivot towards China. China’s involvement in mediating relations with Iran could lead Middle Eastern countries to reconsider their alliances, especially as the reliability of the American security guarantee wavers. This may result in these states increasingly aligning with China, Russia, and Iran, indicating a significant shift in the region's geopolitical landscape.

Nakba I, Nakba II, and genocide in Gaza: 20,000 Israeli soldiers with PTSD

Former MI6 officer Alastair Crooke recently discussed the escalating crisis in Israel during an interview with Danny Haiphong. Crooke expressed that Israel is facing profound military and economic challenges, which he believes are undermining Prime Minister Netanyahu and shifting U.S. sentiment away from supporting Israel as a settler state. Crooke highlighted a critical existential question within Israeli society: the legitimacy of the state. 

He noted that many Israelis feel a loss of legitimacy stemming from the events of the Nakba, where numerous atrocities were never properly addressed, contributing to a lingering sense of injustice. He likened the current situation to a "Nakba 2," prompting a reevaluation of Israel's ethos and moral values. 

This sentiment echoes Crooke's memories of South Africa during its crisis, where the prevailing concern among the Afrikaners began to shift from resistance to consideration of a future for their grandchildren. He questioned what the future holds for Israeli children amid the ongoing conflict, suggesting that an endless cycle of war is not a sustainable or desirable path. 

Crooke observed that the character of Zionism has evolved dramatically, becoming more aggressive and violent compared to its historical roots. He asserted that many secular and liberal Israelis might struggle to recognize or accept the current, more radicalized form of Zionism. Amid the violence in Gaza, Crooke pointed out a moral decline as reported instances of soldiers acknowledging the indiscriminate killing of civilians, particularly children, paint a grim picture of the state’s actions. 

With reports estimating that at least 20,000 Israeli soldiers and reservists are suffering from severe PTSD due to the trauma of current military operations, Crooke emphasized the heavy toll this war is taking on both the military and society at large. 

He concluded with a stark warning for Israeli leadership, suggesting that while they remain fixated on military tactics, they may be overlooking the broader implications of their actions, ultimately leading to a loss for both Israel and its political leadership.

Pessimism and hopelessness continue about Palestine's Statehood

President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding a new initiative for peace in the Middle East, stating, "All are on board for something special, first time ever. We will get it done!" 

Following this, reports emerged indicating that Israel had agreed to a 20-point American proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This proposal includes provisions for the exchange of Israeli hostages—both living and deceased—for Palestinian prisoners, as well as the establishment of an internationally supervised administration for Gaza. 

It also outlines plans for a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces and offers a vision for a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel, with secure and recognized borders. This effort is not unprecedented, as American leaders have made numerous attempts over the decades to broker peace in the region, often resulting in disappointment or failure. For example, after Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982, President Ronald Reagan proposed a "fresh start" that called for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon, a freeze on Israeli settlements, and self-governance for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. But it did not materialize, unfortunately, as reported by CNN on October 01, 2025. 

In relation to the current peace talks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has provided insights into President Trump's desired outcomes. She also mentioned that there may be a possibility of the United States recognizing a Palestinian state once a comprehensive agreement is reached to conclude the two-year war. Is this a false hope and a far-fetched plan for a new form of neo-colonization?

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring that expansion in the West Bank will be continued, Gaza would never be surrendered, and that there would be no Palestinian state. Furthermore, Netanyahu escalated tensions with intensified strikes and continues killing civilians, even though Trump called for a stop to the bombing.The quandary is, after the hostage exchange, will Israel attack Gaza and the West Bank again? Can Netanyahu and his team be trusted? 

The writer is a freelance analyst.