By:  Fern Sidman

The unveiling of President Donald Trump’s principles for ending the war in Gaza has sparked an immediate wave of international responses, with Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani acknowledging the framework’s potential while calling for additional clarifications. His remarks, delivered during an interview with Al Jazeera on Tuesday, highlighted both the promise and the complexity of the proposal — one that Israeli leaders and military commanders are simultaneously assessing in the wake of nearly two years of sustained conflict.

According to a report on Tuesday at Israel National News, Trump’s plan, presented during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, outlines the immediate cessation of hostilities, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of all hostages in exchange for the freeing of Palestinian prisoners. While celebrated by Washington as a “historic breakthrough,” reactions from regional actors like Qatar suggest that the road ahead remains fraught with negotiation, uncertainty, and divergent national priorities.

Speaking with Al Jazeera, Al-Thani welcomed the general thrust of Trump’s framework — namely, that its foremost objective is to end the war. Yet he stressed that much of the plan remains in the realm of broad principles, not actionable details.

“What was presented yesterday are the principles of a plan that need detailed discussion and clarification on how to implement them,” Al-Thani explained. “Ending the war is a clear objective of the plan, but the issue of withdrawal needs further discussion and clarification.”

For Qatar, which has long positioned itself as a key mediator between Israel, Hamas, and other regional players, the success of any diplomatic initiative rests on bridging the gap between principle and practice. As Al-Thani emphasized, “This stage is significant and part of ongoing negotiations. It’s not expected to yield a perfect outcome immediately. We must build on this path to make it effective and successful.”

The report at Israel National News noted that these remarks reflect Qatar’s dual role: on the one hand, a close U.S. ally hosting American military bases, and on the other, a financial and political sponsor of Hamas. Al-Thani’s statement suggests Doha will not reject Trump’s plan outright but will instead seek to shape its implementation in ways that protect its standing and influence in the region.

In Israel, the proposal has already reignited fierce political debate. Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman issued a direct challenge to Prime Minister Netanyahu, demanding that Israel adopt a policy of maximum pressure should Hamas hesitate or refuse the plan.

“Declare clearly and unequivocally now,” Liberman said, “if Hamas does not accept Trump’s plan, we will immediately close all crossings to Gaza. No humanitarian aid, no electricity, water, or fuel. Enough is enough.”

As the Israel National News report highlighted, Liberman’s statement taps into a growing frustration within Israeli society and among political leaders who fear that years of concessions have only emboldened Hamas. For Liberman, Trump’s plan represents not only an opportunity but a litmus test: Hamas must accept peace under U.S. and Israeli terms, or face total isolation and economic suffocation.

While politicians debate, the Israel Defense Forces continue to wage the war on the ground. On Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir toured the Gaza Strip, meeting with commanders and soldiers at forward positions. His message was clear: the military remains committed to achieving Israel’s war objectives while granting political leadership the strategic flexibility to consider diplomatic solutions.

“We are at a critical crossroads. The war continues,” Zamir declared. “The bravery of our soldiers and commanders across all fronts, particularly in Gaza, is creating new opportunities and bringing us closer to achieving the war’s objectives.”

Zamir’s comments, cited in the Israel National News report, emphasized that military successes have generated leverage for Israel at the negotiating table. “The IDF will provide political leadership with the flexibility to make any decision in managing the campaign. I am deeply engaged in the investigations of October 7 — we must not underestimate the enemy. We will remain vigilant and prepared at defensive lines, and act decisively to secure safety and victory.”

By tying battlefield achievements to political decision-making, Zamir highlighted the delicate interplay between military action and diplomatic initiatives like Trump’s plan. His words signal that the IDF does not see itself as retreating but rather positioning Israel for a stronger negotiating posture.

The emerging debate — between Qatar’s call for patient negotiation, Liberman’s demands for maximalist policies, and the IDF’s operational confidence — illustrates the complexity of the current moment. Trump’s plan, as Israel National News reported, seeks to secure hostages’ release, end active combat, and initiate a long-term governance arrangement for Gaza free of Hamas control. Yet the key sticking points remain unresolved:

The question of Israeli withdrawal. Al-Thani made clear that the mechanics of any Israeli redeployment must be clarified, including timelines and guarantees against Hamas resurgence.

The role of international actors. The plan envisions a transitional administration for Gaza, supported by global experts, but Israeli critics like National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir have already blasted the idea of entrusting Israel’s security to third parties.

The fate of Hamas operatives. Trump’s proposal includes amnesty for militants who surrender their weapons, a provision that many in Israel consider unacceptable.

The Cabinet’s discussion of Trump’s plan on Tuesday evening called attention to the widening fissures within Netanyahu’s coalition. Ministers such as Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have already warned against concessions that could lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state or empower international forces in Gaza. Their opposition, documented by Israel National News, raises questions about Netanyahu’s ability to maintain unity even as he navigates delicate talks with Washington and Doha.

For Netanyahu, the stakes could not be higher. Having secured Trump’s personal backing and international recognition of Israel’s war aims, the prime minister must now persuade both his Cabinet and the Israeli public that the plan strengthens rather than weakens Israel’s security posture.

The coming days may prove decisive. Trump gave Hamas only “three to four days” to respond to the proposal, warning that refusal would leave Israel free to act decisively. Qatar’s insistence on further clarification indicates that negotiations will continue, even as Israeli political leaders push for firm deadlines and harsher measures.

As the Israel National News report observed, the situation reflects the perennial tension at the heart of Israeli policy: balancing the urgent humanitarian imperative of securing hostages with the long-term national imperative of ensuring security and deterrence.

Lt. Gen. Zamir’s tour of Gaza captured this balance vividly. “We must not underestimate the enemy,” he warned, reminding Israelis that Hamas remains a formidable threat. Yet his presence on the front lines also conveyed confidence — that the IDF has created the conditions for victory, whether through force or through diplomacy backed by force.

The Trump framework, for now, remains a set of principles awaiting detailed negotiation. Qatar’s cautious endorsement, Liberman’s uncompromising demands, and the IDF’s measured confidence all reflect the varied lenses through which this moment is being assessed.

For Israel, the challenge lies in converting battlefield gains into a durable political outcome — one that secures the hostages, prevents Hamas’s resurgence, and safeguards the Jewish state’s long-term future.

As the Israel National News report indicated, the decisions made in the coming days will not only determine the fate of Gaza but also shape Israel’s regional standing for years to come. Whether Trump’s plan becomes a foundation for peace or another missed opportunity will depend on how Israel, its allies, and its adversaries navigate the perilous terrain between lofty principles and hard realities.