Former prime minister Scott Morrison has called US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza “an absolute game-changer”.
“I think we’re at a real sliding doors moment. I mean, this peace plan, this 20-point peace plan, is an absolute game changer, and it is exactly the plan that is necessary to actually have a functional administration in Gaza that can give the people of Gaza what we all take for granted, hospitals, schools, playgrounds, peace, a quiet life,” Morrison told Sky this morning.
“We’ve been going on for so long on this issue, and none of it has ever worked. It did need disruption. It did need another approach. It did need a departure from all of the politicking and posturing and grandstanding and all of these things we’ve seen on display just far too often. Here’s a practical plan. Here’s someone who actually stood against the tide, and I think has put in place a proposal that, for once, gives real hope.”
Former prime minister Scott Morrison testifies at a US congressional hearing on China in July. Credit: AP
Negotiations on the plan begin today in Egypt between Israel and Hamas as hopes for a possible ceasefire grow. The discussions are expected to focus on the proposed exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said.
“We’re already seeing that negotiators are there in Egypt now, and I wish them all the very best. It is a very difficult task, but I think the initial signs are good, and I hope and pray that they will continue to be positive,” Morrison said.
He also condemned last week’s deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester, and denounced “the ugly spectre of antisemitism” here in Australia.