In a pivotal White House news conference, President Donald J. Trump unveiled a sweeping new peace proposal for the Gaza Strip, laying down a clear ultimatum: Hamas must accept the comprehensive 20-point plan, or Israel will receive the United States’ full backing to eliminate the militant group entirely. This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions and the White House’s prior release of the extensive cease-fire initiative.
The core of the White House plan is designed to usher in an immediate end to the conflict and establish a framework for Gaza’s future stability and prosperity. Key components include:
- An immediate cease-fire upon agreement from both sides, with Israeli forces withdrawing to designated lines for a hostage exchange.
- A comprehensive hostage and prisoner exchange: All living and deceased Israeli hostages are to be returned within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance of the deal. In return, 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’s remains, 15 deceased Gazans’ remains would be released.
- Amnesty and safe passage: Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and disarm would be granted amnesty. Those wishing to leave Gaza would be provided safe passage to receiving countries.
- Extensive humanitarian aid and reconstruction: Full aid, consistent with a previous January 19, 2025, agreement, would be immediately dispatched to Gaza for infrastructure rehabilitation (water, electricity, sewage), hospital and bakery restoration, and rubble removal. Aid distribution would be managed by the United Nations, its agencies, the Red Crescent, and other non-affiliated international organizations, with the Rafah crossing operating under established mechanisms.
- New governance structure: Gaza would be governed by a temporary technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, composed of qualified Palestinians and international experts. This committee would oversee daily public services and municipalities.
- “Board of Peace” leadership: A new international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” chaired by President Donald J. Trump and including other heads of state like former Prime Minister Tony Blair, would supervise the governance committee and manage funding for Gaza’s redevelopment. This body aims to attract investment and foster modern, efficient governance.
- Economic revitalization: A dedicated “Trump economic development plan” would be launched, bringing together experts to rebuild and energize Gaza, creating jobs and opportunities. A special economic zone with preferred tariffs would also be established.
- No forced displacement: The plan explicitly states that no one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who choose to leave will be free to return, encouraging residents to stay and build a better future.
- Demilitarization of Gaza: Hamas and other factions must agree to have no role in Gaza’s governance. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, would be destroyed and not rebuilt. A supervised demilitarization process, including a weapons buy-back and reintegration program, would be verified by independent monitors.
- International Stabilization Force (ISF): The U.S., in collaboration with Arab and international partners, would deploy a temporary ISF to train and support vetted Palestinian police forces, secure border areas with Israel and Egypt, and prevent munitions from entering Gaza. This force is envisioned as the long-term internal security solution.
- Israeli withdrawal: Israel would not occupy or annex Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would withdraw progressively, based on agreed-upon demilitarization milestones and timeframes, leaving a security perimeter until Gaza is securely free from terror threats.
- Contingency plan: If Hamas delays or rejects the proposal, aspects of the plan, including scaled-up aid, would proceed in terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.
- Path to statehood: An interfaith dialogue would promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence. While Gaza’s redevelopment progresses and Palestinian Authority reforms are implemented, conditions “may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”
- U.S.-led dialogue: The United States would facilitate a dialogue between Israel and Palestinians to establish a political horizon for peaceful coexistence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly endorsed Trump’s plan, stating it aligns with Israel’s war aims. However, reactions have been sharply divided. Some far-right ministers within Netanyahu’s government, and his former spokesman, have already dismissed the plan as a “total failure,” particularly regarding the potential for Israeli withdrawal and Palestinian Authority involvement. Conversely, families of Israeli hostages have hailed the plan as a “historic turning point,” signaling hope for their loved ones’ return.
The proposal’s delicate approach to the Palestinian Authority’s role has drawn attention. While Arab nations advocate for the P.A. as a legitimate representative, Israel views it as corrupt and an impediment to peace. The plan suggests a role for the P.A. only after it completes a “reform program,” leaving concrete steps toward Palestinian statehood somewhat ambiguous. This vagueness, coupled with Hamas’s consistent refusal to disarm—describing its weapons as legitimate tools against Israel—highlights the significant obstacles that remain.
This plan represents a renewed push for a resolution in the Middle East, with President Trump emphasizing an active role in chairing a “Board of Peace” to ensure its implementation. The global community watches to see if this detailed initiative can overcome deeply entrenched divisions and bring lasting peace to the region.