Point 9 of Trump’s plan stipulates that Gaza will be run under the “temporary, transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee”, supervised by a “Board of Peace” chaired by the US president and involving former UK PM Tony Blair. It would eventually be handed over to a “reformed” Palestinian Authority.

The Middle East is a part of the world where conflict seems eternal, peace sporadic. Since President Harry Truman recognized the Jewish state in 1948, many presidents have tried to usher in peaceful relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, only to see conflict erupt again and again.

Many Americans have turned their criticism into action this year, joining marches to protest President Trump's policies. But some are beginning to wonder if street protests are still effective.