**Australia Responds to Trump's Gaza Peace Plan Amid Concerns** Australia has expressed cautious optimism regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly unveiled plan to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles described the 20-point proposal as one that “represents hope,” but he raised doubts about whether Hamas would accept the ultimatum necessary for the deal's implementation. The plan, presented during a meeting in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, does not explicitly address Palestinian statehood. However, it does not dismiss the possibility of a two-state solution, which Australia and many other nations consider essential for lasting peace. “I do think the plan represents hope,” Marles stated on ABC Radio Melbourne. He emphasized that a sustainable peace in the Middle East hinges on the establishment of two states. Marles also questioned Hamas's willingness to comply with Trump’s demand to disarm and release hostages within 72 hours of Israel agreeing to the terms. “I think we’ll see that question being answered over the coming hours and days,” he added. Marles acknowledged Australia’s critical stance towards both Hamas and Israel, stating, “What we need to see here is an end to the hostilities, and this human tragedy being brought to an end.” Foreign Minister Penny Wong is currently on leave, and the announcement of the Trump plan coincided with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s trip to the United Arab Emirates, where he is promoting a new trade agreement. Albanese is expected to address the Gaza plan later today. The Trump plan has garnered immediate support from Netanyahu and has been endorsed by several European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as key Arab states. In a joint statement, foreign ministers from Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt praised Trump’s “sincere efforts” to end the conflict. Trump has indicated strong support for Israel, stating, “Israel would have my full backing to finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas.” Netanyahu warned that if Hamas rejects the plan or undermines it, Israel would act independently to achieve its objectives. Critics within Australia’s opposition party argue that the Albanese government’s recent recognition of Palestinian statehood at the UN undermines its ability to contribute meaningfully to Middle Eastern peace negotiations. Coalition senator Dave Sharma, a former Australian ambassador to Israel, criticized the government’s foreign policy, stating, “This plan has been developed and unveiled without any Australian input.” The proposed peace plan outlines a transitional governing body for Gaza, which would consist of Palestinians and international experts. It does not require the displacement of residents, contrasting with a controversial earlier proposal by Trump that suggested relocating people to hotels along the Gaza coast. The plan also includes provisions for Hamas members who agree to peaceful coexistence and disarmament to receive amnesty. Those wishing to leave Gaza would be granted safe passage to other countries. Currently, Hamas is believed to be holding 48 hostages, with 20 thought to still be alive. Hamas has previously demanded that Israel withdraw from Gaza entirely as a condition for any permanent ceasefire. Trump discussed the peace plan with Arab and Islamic leaders during the recent UN General Assembly. The plan does not advocate for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, a notion Trump had previously suggested. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, remarked, “While western governments were engaged in gesture politics and theatrics at the UN, the US administration has developed a mechanism to immediately and permanently end this war.” The Australian Palestinian Advocacy Network has been approached for comment. Further developments are anticipated as the situation evolves.