The Specter of Trump's 'Peace' Plan: A Resurgence of the Deal that Shook Palestine

The geopolitical chessboard is abuzz with speculation: what if Donald Trump returns to the White House? For the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and particularly the fate of Gaza, this question carries a profound weight. His previous 'Deal of the Century' offered a chilling preview, a blueprint that could soon be dusted off and re-presented, potentially reshaping the region in an image many Palestinians dread.

Trump's past endeavor, unveiled in 2020, was less a negotiation and more a dictate.

Crafted largely by his son-in-law Jared Kushner, it was widely perceived as overtly biased towards Israel, effectively sidelining Palestinian aspirations for statehood and self-determination. It offered a fragmented, demilitarized 'state' to Palestinians, lacking control over its borders, airspace, or security, while legitimizing Israeli settlements and recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's undivided capital.

For many, it was the 'deal from hell,' a non-starter designed to fail in the eyes of any self-respecting Palestinian leadership.

Should Trump reclaim the presidency, it's highly probable that a 'Gaza peace plan' would emerge, echoing the contours of his original 'Deal of the Century.' The context, however, has drastically shifted.

The devastating conflict in Gaza has left an indelible mark, and any new proposal would inevitably be shaped by the current realities on the ground, particularly the humanitarian catastrophe and the political vacuum that might follow. The article suggests that Trump's team is already brainstorming a new iteration, hinting at a renewed push for a solution that, once again, might heavily favor Israel.

The transactional nature of Trump's foreign policy cannot be overstated.

His 'America First' doctrine often translates into quid pro quo agreements, where American support is contingent on specific concessions or alignments. In the Middle East, this has meant unwavering support for Israel, often at the expense of traditional diplomatic balancing acts. A new plan would likely be presented as a 'solution' to the Gaza crisis, but one that aligns with Trump's vision of American interests and Israeli security, potentially overlooking the core demands for Palestinian sovereignty and justice.

A critical player in this potential scenario is Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's long-serving Prime Minister.

Netanyahu and Trump share a history of mutual political convenience and ideological alignment. For Netanyahu, a Trump presidency could be a lifeline, offering international backing for his policies, especially regarding Gaza and the West Bank. The article points out that Netanyahu has historically leveraged international dynamics to his advantage, and a Trump-led America would likely provide fertile ground for his political maneuvers, potentially solidifying Israel's position without significant concessions to the Palestinians.

The implications for Palestinians are stark.

A Trump-era 'peace' plan, building on the legacy of the 'Deal of the Century,' could further marginalize their demands, erode the prospects for a viable two-state solution, and entrench the existing power imbalances. It might present a take-it-or-leave-it offer, designed to be palatable only to those willing to accept a severely diminished vision of Palestinian statehood.

The international community, already fractured, might find itself struggling to counter a unified US-Israeli front on a 'solution' that fails to address the fundamental issues of occupation, rights, and self-determination.

As the world watches the US political landscape with bated breath, the echoes of past 'deals' reverberate.

The prospect of Trump's return is not just a domestic issue; it's a global one, with the potential to dramatically alter the trajectory of one of the world's most enduring and tragic conflicts. For Gaza, and for Palestine, the future under such a plan could be a stark continuation of historical injustices, repackaged as a 'peace' that leaves little room for genuine hope.