Trump’s Gaza plan ignores accountability for war crimes: Human Rights Watch
Trump’s Gaza plan is no substitute for urgent international action to protect civilians and ensure accountability for serious crimes committed during Israel’s war against Palestinians, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The group added that the US president’s 20-point plan does not directly address human rights issues or accountability for grave abuses. It urged governments to impose arms embargoes and targeted sanctions and support the International Criminal Court in line with their legal obligations to prevent and stop violations by all parties, regardless of whether Trump’s plan advances.
“The two years since October 7, 2023, have brought a seemingly endless stream of atrocities against civilians for which there has been no let-up or justice,” said Omar Shakir, HRW’s Israel and Palestine director.
“Governments should not wait for the adoption of Trump’s or any other plan to take action to prevent further harm to those most at risk.”
The group added that the scale of destruction in Gaza and the pattern of attacks demonstrate the Israeli government’s contempt for its obligations under international law.
That's because part of the plan is to get people to forget about the genocide, starvation and all the other war crimes.
Peace in Middle East not possible without Palestinian state: Egypt’s president
Real peace in the Middle East will not be achieved unless an independent Palestinian state is created based on the principles of international legitimacy that restore rights to their rightful owners, Egypt’s President el-Sisi has said.
He said a ceasefire, the exchange of captives and Palestinian prisoners, redevelopment of Gaza, and the initiation of a peaceful political pathway towards the creation and recognition of a Palestinian state represent the correct track towards lasting peace and stability.
Egypt is currently hosting talks between Israel and Hamas. They are also attended by mediators seeking an end to the war.
How likely is a quick breakthrough?
As negotiators gather in Egypt, a Palestinian official close to the discussions has expressed scepticism about the prospect of a breakthrough, citing deep mistrust between the sides. The official told Reuters that Hamas and other Palestinian factions fear Israel could abandon the negotiations once the captives in Gaza are released.
A thorny issue is expected to be the Israeli demand for Hamas’s disarmament, something the group insists cannot happen unless Israel ends its occupation and a Palestinian state is created, according to a Hamas source quoted by the news agency.
Trump has sounded optimistic, saying in a social media post, “The first phase should be completed this week,” but an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters he expected this round of talks would not be quick.
The discussions are expected to last at least a few days if not longer. A quick agreement is unlikely, the official said, as the goal is to reach a comprehensive deal with all details finalised before any ceasefire could come into force.
Momentum is already fading, plus Netanyahu will drum up more support for continuation of the genocide on the Oct 7 anniversary.
