Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty stated on Thursday that the plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza contains “numerous gaps” that need to be filled before any progress can be made toward its implementation.
In remarks aired by Cairo News Channel, Abdel Atty emphasized that while Egypt remains committed to peace efforts, the proposal, in its current form, requires further discussion particularly regarding governance structures and long-term security arrangements.
“There are many gaps that we need to close in Trump’s plan. Its success depends on political will and full participation from all concerned parties,” he said.
He added that Egypt is currently in contact with Hamas to understand their position on the proposal and is urging the group to respond positively. However, he also stressed the need to approach the initiative with caution to ensure that it is feasible and grounded in reality.
The Trump proposal was presented earlier this week during a side meeting at the United Nations General Assembly by Trump and his special envoy Steve Witkoff. The 21-point plan marks the most detailed initiative yet from Trump regarding the Gaza conflict, and sources say it received tentative support from several Arab and Islamic leaders in attendance.
The plan, reportedly updated by Jared Kushner and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, includes the following key points:
- An immediate ceasefire once both parties agree to the plan
- The disarmament of Hamas and the removal of its fighters from Gaza to third countries
- The establishment of a technocratic Palestinian council to govern Gaza under international oversight
- A gradual Israeli withdrawal while maintaining a border security buffer
- Oversight of implementation by an international council chaired by Trump
The proposal also includes provisions for the release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza, alongside the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
However, internal divisions within Hamas remain a major challenge. While some members of Hamas’s political leadership are reportedly open to negotiating adjustments to the plan, its military wing especially commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad in Gaza, has rejected it outright, insisting the plan aims to destroy Hamas. According to media reports, al-Haddad has declared his intention to continue armed resistance regardless of political developments.
Meanwhile, sources in the region have confirmed that consultations are ongoing among Hamas, other Palestinian factions, and mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. Several groups have raised concerns about elements of the plan, especially those that involve disarmament and the restructuring of governance without guarantees for Israeli withdrawal.
Since the war began on October 7, 2023, the toll in Gaza has been catastrophic. According to figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 66,000 people have been killed and over 168,000 injured as of September 26, 2025.
Abdel Atty reiterated Egypt’s firm stance against the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, underlining that any viable solution must preserve Palestinian territorial integrity and political rights.
While Trump’s plan has injected new momentum into stalled diplomatic efforts, Egypt’s warning highlights the risk of moving forward with a proposal that lacks clarity and consensus. Without significant revisions and broader buy-in from all stakeholders, the plan may ultimately face the same fate as earlier peace initiatives that failed to take root.
