Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
President Donald Trump publicly released a 20-point peace roadmap for Gaza on Monday, stating he is “very close” to ending the nearly two-year-long conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. The comprehensive plan, aimed at securing the release of hostages and demilitarizing Hamas, was unveiled during a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House, with Trump warning that continued Israeli military action would be greenlit if Hamas rejects the proposal.
Qatari and Egyptian officials reportedly presented the 20-point plan to Hamas negotiators on Monday, following its initial sharing with Arab leaders last Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The proposal outlines an immediate cessation of hostilities upon agreement, with Israeli forces withdrawing to an agreed line to facilitate a hostage release.
Key Elements of the Peace Plan
The updated proposal stipulates that all living and deceased hostages held by Hamas would be released within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting the agreement. In exchange, Israel would release 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023, including all women and children. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel would release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
During the initial phase, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, would be suspended, and battle lines would remain frozen. The plan also details an eventual Israeli withdrawal from parts of the Gaza Strip, handing over territory to an interim security force, even if Hamas rejects the proposal. This marks the first time Israel has publicly agreed to such a condition, with the plan explicitly stating that “Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza.”
Governance and Security Framework
The plan outlines a two-tiered interim governance structure for Gaza: a “technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee” responsible for daily public services, overseen by an international “Board of Peace.” President Trump would chair this board, with other members, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, to be announced. This transitional government would operate until the Palestinian Authority completes a reform program and can securely take control of Gaza, though no specific timeline is provided.
A temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF), developed with Arab and international partners, would deploy in Gaza to train and support vetted Palestinian police forces. This ISF is envisioned as the “long-term internal security solution” and would work with Israel and Egypt to secure border areas and prevent munitions from entering Gaza. The plan explicitly states that Hamas will have no role in Gaza’s future governance, and all military infrastructure will be destroyed and not rebuilt.
Humanitarian Aid and Economic Development
The proposal mandates an immediate and significant scale-up of aid to the Gaza Strip, with the United Nations, its agencies, and the Red Crescent playing a major role in distribution without interference. It also includes a “Trump economic development plan” to rebuild and energize Gaza, created by a panel of experts. The plan assures that “no one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return,” a notable point given past discussions about potential forced displacement.
Furthermore, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and decommission their weapons would be granted amnesty. Those who wish to leave Gaza would be provided safe passage to receiving countries, though specific destinations were not identified.
Netanyahu’s Stance and Future Statehood
Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed support for Trump’s plan but issued a stern warning that Israel would “finish the job by itself” if Hamas rejects the proposal or acts contrary to it. He also appeared to diverge from elements of the plan concerning future governance, stating that Gaza would have a “peaceful civilian administration that is run neither by Hamas nor by the Palestinian Authority.”
The US plan acknowledges the “aspiration of the Palestinian people” for a Palestinian state but does not explicitly state that the United States would recognize such a state. This comes after the Trump administration has previously spoken out against allies recognizing a Palestinian state.
Path Forward
The newly released peace plan lays out a detailed framework for ending the conflict, managing the transition of governance, and rebuilding Gaza. Its success hinges on the agreement of both sides and the ability to navigate complex political disagreements over the future of the enclave.
