Trump Unveils 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza

In a significant announcement on Monday, President Trump rolled out a 20-point peace plan aimed at establishing international peacekeeping forces in the Gaza Strip. This plan, intended to be supervised by a “Peace Commission,” was unveiled at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who expressed hope that it could lead to “eternal peace in the Middle East.”

Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas, stating that if they do not endorse the plan, Israel would have the go-ahead to “finish the work.” He emphasized that Israel would receive his full backing to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas.

The president noted that leaders from the Arab world, Israel, and others had been involved in discussions about fostering diplomatic relations, potentially even between Israel and Iran. Netanyahu confirmed his government’s agreement with the proposed regulations and stated that Israel would aim to end the conflict and dismantle Hamas’ control over Gaza.

However, in an interview with Al Jazeera, Hamas spokesman Mahmoud Maldawi contended that the peace plan had not been communicated to them before the announcement. He expressed concern that the terms appeared aligned with Israeli interests.

A document from the White House specified that, should all parties consent, Gaza would be managed by the Apolitan Palestinian Commission — a temporary governance body composed of qualified Palestinians along with international experts. This commission would operate under the oversight of the new Peace Commission, which Trump is set to lead, featuring figures like former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who described the proposal as “bold and intelligent.”

Under the proposal, Hamas is required to return all hostages, living and deceased, within 72 hours of agreeing to Israel’s terms. In exchange, Israel would reduce troop presence, release 250 Palestinian prisoners, and grant amnesty to Hamas members willing to renounce violence.

The plan also outlines the removal of Hamas officials from Gaza’s administration and mandates the destruction of tunnels and arms production facilities by terrorist groups. Nevertheless, some critical specifics remain unclear, such as the size and role of the International Stabilization Forces intended to ensure post-conflict security in Gaza.

The proposed force is expected to maintain a presence in Gaza to restore stability, overseeing border patrols and police training. Trump presented the creation of the Peace Commission as a crucial measure for implementing a “reform program” tied to his earlier Middle East Peace Plan.

Moreover, the plan promises to flood Gaza with humanitarian aid immediately upon signing, focusing on rehabilitating essential services like food, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure. A panel of experts is set to oversee economic reconstruction, aiming to foster job creation and instill hope.

In contrast to Trump’s previous plan that necessitated the displacement of local populations for developing a “Middle Eastern Riviera,” this new proposal does not require Palestinians to leave Gaza. The document reassured that “no one is forced to leave,” encouraging residents to stay and helping them build a better future.

This peace plan comes just ahead of the announcement of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winners, with White House officials suggesting Trump might be a candidate due to his involvement in previous diplomatic agreements. Analysts are viewing the road ahead with caution, noting significant challenges. Richard Goldberg, a former Trump National Security Council staffer, emphasized the urgency of securing the return of all hostages, stating, “The rest is commentary.”