Ignatius: Trump returns with the "Deal of the Century".. a plan that paves the way for normalization between the occupation and Saudi Arabia.

Donald Trump first spoke about Israeli-Palestinian peace as the "Deal of the Century" when he ran for president in 2016, and although this peace is still elusive, Trump has laid the groundwork, according to his new plan announced on Monday, to end the war in Gaza and move to a new phase in the region.

According to the Washington Post, writer David Ignatius claimed that Trump's announced "New Gaza" plan aims to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians who have been worn down by war and to end the damage inflicted on Israel since the attack on October 7, 2023.

The report notes that civilians in Gaza are living in tragic conditions, amidst destruction, hunger, and fear, while Israeli hostages await their fate, making the cessation of fighting an urgent necessity.

Ignatius believes that the "Peace Council" proposed by Trump to oversee the transitional phase in Gaza could represent a significant change, especially with Trump himself announcing his candidacy for the presidency.

The newspaper adds that the plan includes a ceasefire that effectively means a complete surrender of Hamas, with what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a "total victory."

The report continues that the plan grants Netanyahu significant political and security gains, as the Palestinian Authority will have no direct role in managing Gaza until it is reformed, while Israel will remain centered in a buffer zone.

As for Saudi Arabia, it appears – according to the Washington Post – ready to support the agreement despite the absence of a clear commitment to the option of a Palestinian state.

The writer noted that the announcement was accompanied by a framework prepared by Trump's team with Arab allies, which calls for the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian committee to manage services, supported by an international stabilization force and training for a new police force.

Several countries, such as Italy, Indonesia, and Azerbaijan, have volunteered to participate militarily, while the oversight committee includes Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Ignatius also clarifies that the plan relied on prominent roles for Jared Kushner and Tony Blair, alongside Qatari and Emirati support, while challenges remain regarding the fate of Hamas and the prospects for long-term stability in Gaza.

The report concludes by noting that Trump's plan, despite its potential shortcomings, represents a significant shift compared to his previous ideas about forced displacement, as it stipulates keeping the residents of Gaza and giving them a chance to rebuild.

However, there remain significant questions about its potential success in a complex reality that has witnessed recurring crises for decades.