President Trump’s Commitment to the Peace Process: Doubts and Obstacles Cast Shadows on the Two-State Solution

Trump-Brokered Agreement Signed, Future of Gaza Remains in Question

October 14, 2025

A significant accord, dubbed ‘The Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity,’ was formally adopted on monday in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The agreement was signed by United States President Donald Trump, alongside representatives from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. This development signals a renewed push for lasting peace in the Middle East.

Key Provisions and International Reaction

The agreement emphasizes a commitment to implementing measures that ensure peace, security, stability, and opportunities for all people within the region, encompassing both Palestinian and Israeli populations. Numerous world leaders have lauded President Trump’s role in facilitating the cease-fire agreement. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer applauded the President’s dedication, stating, “President Trump, this is your achievement. I thank you for your tireless efforts to deliver this moment,” and pledged the United Kingdom’s support for full implementation.

French President Emmanuel Macron characterized Monday as a “historic day” for Israelis and Palestinians, urging collective humility as they navigate the path forward.The signing ceremony marked a tangible commencement to what leaders hope will be a durable peace, underpinned by the eventual release of all surviving Israeli hostages and approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

uncertainties Surrounding Gaza’s Future

Despite the progress, ample uncertainties persist, notably concerning the future administration of Gaza. The current agreement does not explicitly outline plans for the official recognition of a Palestinian State by the United States, nor does it provide definitive details regarding Gaza’s future governance structures.

Initial outlines of a potential framework were previously articulated in Trump’s 20-point peace plan. It suggested that, during Gaza’s redevelopment, “the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.” though, President trump refrained from directly addressing the possibility of a Palestinian state during his remarks at the signing ceremony, and has previously expressed criticism towards recent international endorsements of Palestinian statehood.

when questioned by reporters regarding a two-state solution, Trump responded evasively, stating, “We’ll have to see.” He further elaborated, “I’m not talking about a single-state or double-state or two-state. A lot of people like the one-state solution, some people like the two-state solution. We’ll have to see.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently opposed the establishment of a separate Palestinian state, despite increasing international pressure.

Interim Governance Proposals

The initial plan also proposed a temporary transitional government, comprising Palestinian and international experts, to handle Gaza’s day-to-day public services. former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was identified as a potential leader for this body, but Hamas has already voiced its rejection of his involvement.Blair was present at the Sharm El-Sheikh summit,indicating a potential increase in his role.

Key Player	Stance on Agreement	Potential Role
Donald Trump	Facilitator, signatory	Overseeing overall implementation
Benjamin Netanyahu	Supportive of cease-fire	Negotiating future governance of Gaza
Tony Blair	Potential interim governance leader	Overseeing Gaza’s public services
Hamas	Conditional acceptance	Negotiating release of hostages

The Complex History of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the world’s most enduring and emotionally charged disputes. Its roots trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with competing claims to the same territory. The creation of the State of Israel in 1948 led to the displacement of many Palestinians, a core issue at the heart of the conflict.

Numerous attempts at peacemaking, including the Camp David Accords in 1978 and the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, have yielded limited long-term success. Factors such as religious differences, political ideologies, and security concerns continue to fuel the conflict. ongoing issues include the status of Jerusalem, Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Did You Know? The Gaza Strip, a key focus of current negotiations, has been under varying degrees of blockade by Israel and Egypt as 2007, impacting its economy and the living conditions of its residents.

Pro Tip: To stay informed about the Middle East, consider following reputable news sources and think tanks specializing in the region, such as the Council on Foreign Relations and the Middle East Institute.

Frequently asked Questions

• What is the main goal of ‘The Trump declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity’? To establish a lasting peace and security in the Middle East for both Israelis and Palestinians.
• What is the current status of Palestinian statehood recognition? The agreement does not currently include provisions for U.S. recognition of a Palestinian state.
• What role is Tony Blair expected to play? He is being considered to lead a transitional government to oversee public services in Gaza.
• What challenges remain in the peace process? The future governance of Gaza, the release of all hostages and the recognition of a Palestinian State are key hurdles.
• What are the immediate concerns following the agreement? Ensuring the complete release of hostages and addressing reported violations of the cease-fire are immediate priorities.

What are your thoughts on the new peace agreement? Share your comments below!

To what extent did the Abraham accords prioritize regional economic and security interests over the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

The Abraham Accords: A Shift in US Policy?

Donald Trump’s presidency marked a notable departure from decades of established US foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While previous administrations consistently advocated for a two-state solution – an independent Palestinian state alongside a secure israel – the Trump administration largely sidelined this goal. Instead, the focus shifted towards facilitating normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, known as the Abraham Accords.

These accords, brokered in 2020, saw Israel normalize relations with the United Arab Emirates, bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. Supporters hailed them as a breakthrough, arguing they fostered regional stability and offered a new path to peace. Critics, though, contended that the accords came at the expense of the Palestinian issue, effectively removing a key leverage point for negotiations. The term “Israeli-Palestinian peace process” became less frequently used in official discourse.

* Key agreements: UAE (August 2020), Bahrain (September 2020), Sudan (October 2020), Morocco (December 2020).

* US Role: The US acted as a primary facilitator, offering security guarantees and economic incentives.

* Palestinian Response: The palestinian Authority strongly condemned the accords, viewing them as a betrayal of their aspirations for statehood.

Dismantling Existing Frameworks & Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital

A core element of the perceived shift was the Trump administration’s dismantling of existing diplomatic frameworks. This included:

1. Cutting Funding to UNRWA: In 2018, the US halted funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), a vital organization providing aid to Palestinian refugees. This decision was widely criticized by international organizations and humanitarian groups.
2. Closing the PLO Office in Washington D.C.: The US closed the palestine liberation Organization (PLO) office in Washington in 2017, citing concerns about incitement to violence.
3. Recognizing jerusalem as Israel’s Capital: Perhaps the most controversial move was the December 2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the subsequent relocation of the US embassy. This defied decades of international consensus, which held that Jerusalem’s status should be resolute through negotiations. This action was seen by Palestinians and many international observers as prejudging the outcome of final status negotiations.

These actions signaled a clear alignment with Israel’s positions and a weakening of US commitment to the traditional two-state framework. The phrase “Jerusalem embassy relocation” became a focal point of international debate.

The “Deal of the Century” and its Reception

In January 2020, the Trump administration unveiled its long-awaited peace plan, dubbed the “Deal of the Century.” The plan proposed a framework for a two-state solution, but on terms widely considered favorable to Israel.

Key features included:

* Israeli Sovereignty over Settlements: The plan allowed Israel to retain control over approximately 30% of the West Bank,including all Israeli settlements.

* Limited Palestinian Statehood: The proposed Palestinian state would be demilitarized and have limited sovereignty.

* Jerusalem as Undivided Capital: The plan designated Jerusalem as Israel’s undivided capital.

The Palestinian leadership rejected the plan outright, calling it a “conspiracy” and a “death sentence” for the two-state solution. The plan received lukewarm support from some Arab states, but lacked broad international backing.The term “Deal of the Century plan” quickly became synonymous with a failed peace initiative.

Obstacles to the Two-State Solution: Beyond Trump’s Policies

While the Trump administration’s policies undoubtedly complicated the prospects for a two-state solution, several underlying obstacles predate and extend beyond his presidency. These include:

* Settlement Expansion: Continued Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank remains a major impediment to peace.

* Palestinian Divisions: The political division between Fatah (governing the West Bank) and Hamas (controlling Gaza) weakens the Palestinian negotiating position.

* Regional Instability: Ongoing conflicts and instability in the broader Middle East divert attention and resources away from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

* Radicalization: The rise of extremist groups on both sides fuels violence and undermines trust.

The Impact of US Policy Shifts on Regional Dynamics

The shift in US policy under Trump had a ripple effect on regional dynamics.The abraham Accords, while lauded by some, arguably incentivized Arab states to prioritize their own economic and security interests over the Palestinian cause. This created a new geopolitical landscape where the Palestinian issue was less central to regional calculations. The concept of “normalization agreements” gained prominence in regional security discussions.

Case Study: The UAE-Israel Relationship

The UAE’s decision to normalize relations with israel, driven by shared concerns about Iran and a desire for economic cooperation, demonstrated a willingness to bypass the traditional requirement of resolving the Palestinian issue before establishing diplomatic ties.This set a precedent for other Arab states and further marginalized the Palestinian Authority.

The Current landscape (October 2025) and Future Prospects

As of October 2025, the two-state solution remains largely stalled