Trump Announces Gaza Peace Plan

US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace plan for Gaza on Monday, stating that Hamas could meet Israeli demands while offering a route to nationhood for Palestinians, provided they disarm, release hostages, and yield power.

The announcement came during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, but it remains uncertain whether Hamas would endorse such a plan, especially disarmament.

A Hamas official mentioned they had not seen the plan and, while possibly open to releasing hostages, they indicated that disarmament was not on the table. They didn’t view using force as a central approach.

Here are the 20 points from the plan:

1. Gaza will be designated as a non-threatening fanatic terrorist zone.
2. Redevelopment efforts in Gaza will focus on improving the lives of its residents.
3. If both sides consent to the proposal, the war will end. Israeli forces would withdraw to agreed lines in anticipation of hostage release, while all military operations would cease, freezing battle lines until conditions for a complete withdrawal are met.
4. Within 72 hours of Israel acknowledging the agreement, all hostages, living and deceased, will be returned. [It’s unclear how this provision would be enforced if Hamas disagrees.]
5. Upon hostage release, Israel would free 250 life-sentenced inmates, alongside 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, which would include all women and children held since 2023. For every Israeli hostage returned, Israel would return the bodies of 15 deceased Gazans.
6. Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and disarmament would receive pardons. Those wishing to leave Gaza would be granted safe passage.
7. Immediately upon acceptance of this plan, substantial aid will be sent to Gaza. [It’s unclear who will fund this aid.] This aid will cover infrastructure needs such as water, electricity, and hospitals, as well as the necessary equipment to clear roads.
8. The entry of aid into Gaza will proceed without interference through the United Nations and other international organizations. The opening of the Rafa crossing will follow the mechanisms set in the January 19, 2025 agreement.
9. Gaza will be governed temporarily by a technocratic, non-political Palestinian Commission responsible for public services, created with both Palestinian and international experts. This commission will be overseen by a new international transitional organization, led by Trump, which will manage funds for Gaza’s redevelopment while Palestinian authorities implement their reforms.
10. The Trump Economic Development Plan will involve experts who have successfully built thriving cities in the Middle East, focusing on secure investments to foster job creation and hope for Gaza.
11. An economic zone will be established to provide favorable tariffs and access rates for engaging with participating countries.
12. No one will be compelled to leave Gaza; individuals wishing to depart can do so freely. The emphasis is on encouraging residents to stay and improve their home.
13. Hamas and other factions must commit to abstaining from any role in Gaza’s governance and the complete dismantling of military infrastructure under independent supervision.
14. Guarantees will be provided to ensure compliance from Hamas and factions, making sure the newfound Gaza will not threaten its neighbors or inhabitants.
15. The US will collaborate with international partners to create a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to oversee security and train Palestinian police, working with Jordan and Egypt to develop a long-term solution.
16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. Once stability is achieved by the ISF, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw according to agreed plans linked to demilitarization.
17. If Hamas delays or rejects the proposal, aid efforts will continue in territories controlled by the IDF. [This indicates the continuation of IDF operations in other areas.]
18. An inter-factional dialogue process will focus on promoting tolerance and peace as a way to shift the Palestinian and Israeli narratives towards the benefits of making peace.
19. Progress in Gaza’s redevelopment, aligned with the Palestinian Authority’s reform programs, could eventually facilitate Palestinian self-determination and state recognition.
20. The United States will initiate discussions between Israel and Palestinians to establish a political framework for peaceful coexistence.

At the press conference, Trump stated that Netanyahu approved the plan and suggested it could bring an end to conflicts that have lasted “decades and centuries,” aiming for “Middle Eastern peace.”

Trump remarked, “Now is the time to accept the terms of the plan presented today by Hamas.”

He continued, if Hamas does not comply, Netanyahu has the freedom to take necessary actions.

Netanyahu also mentioned, “This can be handled easily or the hard way. We prefer the easier method.”