Major’s Peace Plan for Gaza Announced
Retired U.S. Army Major John Spencer, a prominent expert on urban warfare, unveiled a 20-point peace initiative for Gaza on Monday. This proposal aligns with President Donald Trump’s newly released peace framework.
During a joint appearance at the White House, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a significant day, expressing hopes for future peace in the Middle East. Netanyahu lauded Trump as “the biggest friend Israel has ever had in the White House, and it’s not even close.”
Spencer, who chairs Urban War Studies at the Modern Warfare Institute in West Point, later shared his insights on X. He mentioned that the 20-point plan closely aligns with Israel’s military goals, emphasizing the immediate release of hostages, the restructuring of Gaza, and the establishment of governance free from Hamas.
He also distinguished between the plan’s process and its anticipated outcomes. “This plan is unique in providing a realistic path to peace based on real-world conditions,” Spencer noted, asserting it would address key concerns of the Palestinian people, such as forced evacuations and governance structures with international support for reconstruction.
Experts in urban warfare highlighted that the plan involves specific safeguards. It includes the suspension of the Palestinian authority until certain benchmarks are met, an external body overseeing the process, and an actionable reform agenda.
Spencer further emphasized the plan’s security framework, which he deemed crucial. “It secures some level of endorsement from Arab, Muslim, and global partners for the deployment of international stabilization forces in Gaza,” he explained. This strategy helps relieve the Israeli Defense Forces of long-term stabilization responsibilities and limits Hamas’s ability to exploit civilian situations for its survival.
He pointed out that the proposal remains grounded in reality rather than idealized hopes. “Unlike previous proposals, this one includes a clause that accounts for the possibility of Hamas rejecting the terms,” Spencer indicated. He noted this acknowledgment enhances the plan’s credibility against potential disruptions from the group.
While acknowledging uncertainties, Spencer maintained that they wouldn’t undermine the plan’s importance. “Yes, there are still many questions, like who will be on the ‘peace committee’ and which nations will contribute to stabilization forces,” he remarked. “These uncertainties are realistic, yet they don’t lessen the plan’s significance. The 20-point plan offers clearer answers compared to other suggestions so far.”
The outlined plan stipulates that acceptance by Hamas would lead to the release of all remaining hostages within 72 hours, alongside disarmament and exit from leadership roles. Individuals willing to abandon violence could remain in Gaza or be granted safe passage elsewhere, accompanied by amnesty. If Hamas rejects it, Israel would create a “no-terrorism” zone, transitioning from Israeli oversight to an interim international stabilization force made up of Arab and other nations. Trump included that Hamas should have “no role” in governance.
In a straightforward discussion, both leaders made clear their stance should Hamas oppose the proposal. “Israel will have my full support to address any threats from Hamas, but we hope for a peaceful resolution,” Trump stated.
Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, warning, “If Hamas disregards your plan or counters it after acceptance, Israel will act independently to resolve the issue. We prefer a peaceful resolution, but we must act if necessary. All these objectives must be achieved to ensure Hamas does not continue to threaten us.”
He further noted that if international efforts succeed in disarming Hamas, “we will end the war forever,” linking Israel’s potential withdrawal to the level of disarmament reached.
As of Monday evening, Hamas had yet to publicly respond to the proposed plan.
