Norway's Foreign Minister: Gaza Peace Deal Closest in Two Years
Norway's foreign minister says current Gaza negotiations offer the best peace opportunity in two years. The Trump-backed plan has broad international support but faces implementation challenges. Both sides are negotiating indirectly through mediators in Egypt.
Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide calls himself cautiously optimistic about current Gaza peace efforts. He says the current negotiations represent the most promising opportunity in two years.
Eide confirmed intense negotiations are happening in Egypt. Talks facilitated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States could lead to a breakthrough between Hamas and Israel.
The plan under discussion is based on a 20-point framework previously presented. Both Israel and Hamas are participating through indirect negotiations with mediators.
Eide explained the plan contains many good elements but requires more work on sequencing and timelines. A recent deadline for Hamas approval passed on Sunday, but the group did agree to the framework.
Organizing hostage returns and handling casualties presents practical challenges. Hamas claims ongoing Israeli operations complicate retrieving deceased hostages.
Eide stressed this remains a peace proposal, not a final agreement. He acknowledged Middle East negotiations often derail but noted positive signs.
The Trump administration appears deeply committed to success. Eide said Trump has delivered consistent messages to both Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Many countries support the plan according to Eide. Arab nations, Muslim countries, European states and Norway all back this approach.
Turkey and Qatar maintain channels to Hamas and strongly endorse this opportunity. Trump has reportedly pressed Israel to accept previously rejected terms.
These include no annexation, no continued occupation, eventual withdrawal and Palestinian governance. The plan outlines these steps.
Eide noted he has never seen a peace plan where one side gets everything. Compromise remains essential with something for all parties.
When asked about Trump's Nobel Peace Prize ambitions, Eide emphasized Norway's strict separation between government and the Nobel Committee. He called this an important principle.
The foreign minister declined to speculate on Nobel outcomes but reaffirmed the committee's independence from political influence.
This represents the most substantive Middle East peace effort in recent memory, though numerous obstacles could still derail progress.