Following the outbreak of conflict between Hamas and Israel on October 7, 2023, hopes for peace have resurfaced. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has presented a 20-point deal aimed at establishing peace in Gaza. This proposal has been discussed in a meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Netanyahu expressing his agreement.
While Netanyahu has shown support, the focus now shifts to Hamas’s response. The 20-point plan outlines key conditions. Trump and Netanyahu have stated that if Hamas accepts the deal, all hostages will be released within 72 hours. Failure to comply would result in an Israeli offensive, supported by the United States.
Here’s a breakdown of the 20-point peace plan:
1. Gaza will be transformed into a terror-free zone, posing no threat to its neighbors.
2. Gaza will be rebuilt to benefit its residents.
3. If both parties agree, the war will cease immediately. Israeli forces will withdraw to a predetermined line to facilitate hostage release, suspending all military operations.
4. Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting the agreement, all hostages will be returned, both alive and deceased.
5. Following the release of all hostages, Israel will release 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023. For each deceased Israeli hostage returned, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
6. Hamas members who pledge to lay down their arms will be granted amnesty after the hostage release.
7. Aid will be sent to Gaza immediately upon acceptance of the agreement.
8. Aid to Gaza will be delivered through the United Nations, Red Crescent, and other international organizations without interference.
9. A non-political Palestinian committee will temporarily govern Gaza, overseen by an international Board of Peace. Led by Donald Trump, and including figures like former UK PM Tony Blair, this body will manage Gaza’s reconstruction and finances until the Palestinian Authority takes full control.
10. A specialist panel will be formed to rebuild and empower Gaza, as part of Trump’s economic development plan.
11. A special economic zone will be established, offering preferential tariffs and access rates to participating countries.
12. No one will be forced to leave Gaza. Those who wish to leave will be free to do so and return.
13. Hamas and other groups will not participate in any form of Gaza governance. All military, terrorist, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons manufacturing sites, will be destroyed and not rebuilt.
14. Regional partners will guarantee Hamas and other groups’ compliance with the terms, ensuring the new Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its own people.
15. The U.S., along with Arab and international partners, will establish an International Stabilization Force (ISF) for immediate deployment to Gaza. The ISF will train and support selected Palestinian police forces. This force will address internal security in Gaza.
16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes stability, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw from Gaza.
17. If Hamas delays or rejects the proposal, the above provisions, including increased aid operations, will be applied to terror-free areas assigned to the ISF by the IDF.
18. A process for interfaith dialogue will be established.
19. As Gaza’s reconstruction progresses and the Palestinian Authority’s reform program is implemented, the path to Palestinian statehood could be opened.
20. The U.S. will establish dialogue between Israel and Palestinians to determine a political framework for peace.