Trump Unveils 20-Point Gaza Plan: Immediate Ceasefire, Transitional Governance, and U.S.-Led Oversight
WASHINGTON/GAZA — U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a sweeping 20-point proposal aimed at ending Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, which has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians and reduced much of the enclave to rubble. The plan, presented at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, promises an “immediate halt to hostilities” if accepted by all parties, but it sidelines Hamas from any future governance of Gaza.
Netanyahu has accepted the plan, but Hamas officials said they have yet to receive a formal copy of the proposal. The militant group’s response will determine whether Trump’s vision of a “New Gaza” moves from paper to reality.
Immediate Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchanges
Under the plan, fighting would stop immediately once both sides agree. Israeli forces would freeze their positions and suspend air and ground operations. Within 72 hours:
- All Israeli hostages, alive or deceased, must be returned.
- In exchange, Israel will release 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Palestinians detained after October 7, 2023, including all women and children.
- For every Israeli captive’s remains returned, Israel will release the remains of 15 Palestinians killed in Israeli custody.
Transitional Governance Without Hamas
One of the most controversial aspects is the creation of a Palestinian technocratic government with no Hamas involvement.
- Gaza would be overseen by a transitional body called the “Board of Peace”, chaired by Trump himself and joined by international leaders including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
- This body would supervise aid distribution, infrastructure repair, and long-term redevelopment until a reformed Palestinian Authority is deemed ready to take control.
Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction
Upon agreement:
- Full-scale humanitarian aid will flow into Gaza, covering water, electricity, sewage systems, hospitals, bakeries, and rubble clearance.
- Aid delivery will be managed by the UN, Red Crescent, and neutral international agencies.
- The Rafah crossing will reopen under international monitoring.
- A Trump-led economic development panel will design a “special economic zone” to attract investment, create jobs, and rebuild Gaza’s economy.
Demilitarization and Amnesty
The plan requires Hamas and other armed factions to disarm.
- All tunnels, weapons factories, and military infrastructure will be dismantled.
- Verified decommissioning will be monitored by international inspectors.
- A weapons buyback and reintegration program will be funded internationally.
- Hamas members who renounce violence will be granted amnesty, while those wishing to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage abroad.
Security and Stabilization Force
The U.S. proposes deploying a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF), backed by Arab and global partners.
- The ISF would secure Gaza’s borders with Egypt and Israel.
- It would train Palestinian police and prevent weapons smuggling.
- Israeli forces would withdraw gradually, handing territory over to the ISF until Gaza is “terror-free.”
- Israel would maintain only a minimal perimeter presence until stability is guaranteed.
Regional and International Guarantees
- Arab states would guarantee Hamas’s compliance.
- The ISF would coordinate with Egypt, Jordan, and Israel on security.
- In case of Hamas’s rejection, aid and redevelopment would begin in territories Israel hands over to the ISF.
Path Toward Statehood
The plan positions Gaza reconstruction as a stepping stone toward a broader political settlement.
- An interfaith dialogue process will be initiated to “change mindsets” between Israelis and Palestinians.
- If the Palestinian Authority undergoes reforms and successfully governs Gaza, Trump’s plan envisions progress toward Palestinian self-determination and eventual statehood.
Mixed Reactions and Uncertainty
Netanyahu, standing beside Trump, hailed the plan as a “historic opportunity for peace and security.” But in Gaza, skepticism runs deep. Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi told Al Jazeera that the group has not received the written proposal, warning against any plan that excludes Palestinian resistance movements.
International analysts say Trump’s plan mirrors his 2020 “Deal of the Century” in tone, but with heavier emphasis on security guarantees for Israel and Trump’s direct oversight of Gaza’s reconstruction. Whether Hamas — and Palestinians more broadly — will accept an arrangement that sidelines them politically remains highly uncertain.
The 20 Points in Brief
- Gaza to become a deradicalized, terror-free zone.
- Gaza’s redevelopment prioritized.
- Immediate ceasefire upon agreement.
- Hostages returned within 72 hours.
- Palestinian prisoners released in exchange.
- Amnesty for Hamas members who disarm.
- Safe passage for Hamas members wishing to leave.
- Full aid delivery under international monitoring.
- Rafah crossing reopened under agreed mechanism.
- Gaza governed by a technocratic Palestinian committee.
- Oversight by the Trump-led “Board of Peace.”
- Economic redevelopment plan for Gaza.
- Creation of a special economic zone.
- Freedom of movement for Gazans (no forced exile).
- Hamas excluded from governance.
- Demilitarization of Gaza under monitors.
- Regional guarantees of compliance.
- Deployment of International Stabilization Force.
- Israeli withdrawal in stages, no annexation.
- Dialogue toward Palestinian statehood.
Bottom Line: Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan is the most detailed U.S. proposal since the outbreak of Israel’s war last year. While it offers Palestinians humanitarian relief and reconstruction, it removes Hamas from political life and puts Trump himself at the center of Gaza’s future. Whether this ambitious vision can survive the region’s entrenched mistrust remains to be seen.
