Hamas announced on Friday that it is ready to begin immediate negotiations on the release of Israeli hostages and an end to the nearly two-year Gaza war, aligning with a 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.
The plan, unveiled Monday at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who cautiously backed it, outlines a framework for ceasefire, reconstruction, and governance in Gaza.
According to the White House statement, the proposal envisions Gaza as a “deradicalised, terror-free zone” that will be redeveloped for the benefit of its people. If both sides accept the deal, Israel will halt military operations and withdraw to agreed lines to facilitate a hostage release.
Within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance, all hostages, both alive and deceased, will be returned. In exchange, Israel would release 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023, including all women and children.
The plan also grants amnesty to Hamas members who renounce violence and support peaceful co-existence. Those wishing to leave Gaza would be given safe passage to other countries.
Under the agreement, humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts would begin immediately, supervised by the United Nations, Red Crescent, and other neutral organizations.
A temporary technocratic Palestinian committee, supported by an international “Board of Peace”chaired by President Trump, would oversee Gaza’s governance and redevelopment. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to serve on the board, which will guide reforms until the Palestinian Authority is ready to resume control.
The plan also proposes a Trump economic development initiative to rebuild Gaza, establish a special economic zone, and attract global investments to create jobs and stability.
Furthermore, it calls for Gaza’s complete demilitarization, monitored by independent observers, and the creation of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to maintain security and train vetted Palestinian police, with cooperation from Jordan and Egypt.
Israel would not occupy or annex Gaza, and its military withdrawal would be tied to progress in demilitarization and stabilization.
If Hamas delays or rejects the proposal, aid and redevelopment would still proceed in areas declared “terror-free.”
Ultimately, the peace plan sets the stage for a “credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood,” provided that governance reforms and lasting peace are achieved.
What you should know
The Trump Gaza Peace Plan marks Washington’s most ambitious Middle East initiative since the Abraham Accords.
If accepted, it could bring an end to nearly two years of bloodshed in Gaza, restore stability, and pave the way for a demilitarized Palestinian territory governed under international oversight.
