Justice spokesperson, Doug Beattie MC MLA said, “Ending the conflict in the Middle East is a complex issue, and the solution will have many critics trying to pick holes in any proposals. However, what we must all agree on is that we must stop the killing, we must stop the starvation, we must stop the terrorism, we must secure the release of all prisoners and stabilise the region.

“I have never been a fan of President Trump's politics, but in his 21-point plan, there is a roadmap to end the killing and secure a two-state solution. It has some very simple principles that can work, if developed, and indeed are in line with what the Ulster Unionist Party have been calling for since the present round of fighting started following the atrocities of 7^th October 2023.

“The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, dead and alive, with a large release of Palestinian prisoners happening simultaneously. An increased rate of humanitarian aid controlled by the United Nations and other NGOs, and a Stabilisation Force (SFOR) for Gaza, which will secure the area, providing security and training for the Palestinian Authorities. This SFOR will have the buy-in from other Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt and Jordan, to ensure it has a regional focus that will translate into better cooperation in the years to come.

“The proposals, which will also see the gradual withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza, includes the removal of Hamas, their terrorist infrastructure and by extension the regional influence of Iran. The aim to demilitarise Gaza, ensuring no military infrastructure, provides security for both the Palestinian and Israeli people. The interim governance arrangements, supported by the US, will allow for the rapid reconstruction of Gaza and give the people a future.

“There are, of course, many pitfalls in this strategy, including the long-running Shia/Sunni dispute, and how would this affect any SFOR. Hamas may refuse to accept the terms of the plan, resulting in an intensification of the Israeli military campaign and the suffering inflicted on innocent people. Disagreements on implementation or skirmishes between combatants may temporarily derail any deal, and Iran's malign influences and those of Hezbollah and the Houthis may have an adverse effect.

“There are no easy paths in the Middle East, but we must take a chance on peace, and that means accepting the concept of this plan. Failure to do so would be catastrophic for the region.”