Trump’s plan for Gaza could threaten Iraq’s stability

Iraqis fear that US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza could endanger Iraq’s stability, should Hamas respond with hostilities or be unwilling to comply, according to The New Arab on October 1st.

President Trump has issued a 20-point plan for Hamas. In this plan Hamas is required to free captives, disarm, and transfer Gaza’s authority to another authority within a certain timeframe.  

Gaza’s death toll has gone past 66,000, with mass destruction also occurring in the Palestinian enclave. And while Trump’s plan claims that it will bring about the reconstruction of the enclave’s devastated infrastructure as well as security provisions, the plan still does not address Palestinian statehood recognition.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed Trump’s Plan for Gaza. But Iraqi politicians, lawmakers and analysts are unsettled with the idea. They claim Hamas is not likely to agree to the proposal and the rejection could lead to major problems for Iraq.  

Others also feel that Trumps plan is not coming to fruition. Political analyst Ramiar Jamal spoke with TMA and has said “I don’t think Hamas will accept this because it can end their political role.” Jamal added: “They are unlikely to agree to terms that remove their influence, require them to surrender their weapons, and do not guarantee a Palestinian State.” Jamal mentioned that even a partial approval could effect Iraq.  

If Hamas agrees to the proposal then the war could reportedly be put to an end and hostages can be released within 72 hours. An official from Hamas said the militant group is currently evaluating the plan, although he also confirmed they will not give up on former non-negotiable principles.

With doubt being expressed from many in power, it appears that Kurdish lawmaker Muthanna Amin thinks differently. Amin, from the Iraqi Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee told The New Arab: “If Hamas accepts the plan, peace will follow, and the region will move away from war and instability.” 

Israel’s obligations under Trumps plan still remains uncertain. Israel will not not intervene in aid deliveries that will be provided to the Gaza Strip if the proposal is approved. As for the Israeli military, they “will withdraw based on standards, milestones and time frames linked to demilitarisation.”

Baghdad University’s head of the Strategic Thinking Centre and a professor of politics, Ihsan Al-Shamari, has said Trump’s plan will potentially stop Hamas’ political power and the short deadline that Trump has set, ramps up pressure pressure without giving a lasting peace process.

The New Arab, Maghrebi.org