Blinken Comments on Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken shared on Monday that President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace initiative for the Gaza Strip draws from a proposal initially put forth by the Biden administration.

In a detailed post on X, Blinken highlighted how Trump secured a peace agreement, noting that Arab nations and Turkey have reached a point of saying “enough is enough” with Hamas. This shift, he suggested, signals that other Iranian-supported factions, like Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis, don’t support Hamas either.

“It begins with a clear and comprehensive post-conflict strategy for Gaza,” Blinken stated. “It’s encouraging that Trump has embraced and expanded upon the plan our administration developed after extensive discussions with Arab partners, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority.”

Blinken reflected on how the Biden administration had brokered a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January, which led to the release of 135 hostages before the ceasefire ultimately fell apart. He raised concerns about how Trump could implement a lasting peace strategy.

Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy questioned Trump about Blinken’s comments during a flight on Air Force One. “Everyone knows it’s a joke,” Trump responded, claiming that the situation shouldn’t have escalated. He asserted, “Had Blinken been a decent president, not a great one like myself, the Russia-Ukraine conflict wouldn’t have happened,” attributing the current issues to Biden and Obama’s policies.

During a visit to Egypt on Monday, Trump aimed to engage with over 20 global leaders on the next steps of the ceasefire.

He described the moment saying, “We’ve been hearing about peace for years, but no one really believed we’d reach this stage. And now we are.” He further emphasized, “Today symbolizes the efforts, hopes, and prayers of countless individuals. With the historic agreement we’ve just signed, those hopes are starting to materialize.”

In his announcement, Blinken advocated for immediate implementation of plans for Gaza postwar. He emphasized the need to assemble international stabilization forces, fully disarm Hamas, and ensure a gradual yet complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, all while remaining aware of the challenges ahead.

Blinken expressed appreciation for Trump’s reaffirmation of crucial principles set out for Gaza at the war’s onset, including no terror networks, no annexations, no occupations, and no forced population displacements. He stressed that the ultimate aim is to foster conditions that could lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state.