In a pivotal moment for Middle East diplomacy, former President Donald J. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu jointly announced a far-reaching proposal aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Positioned as a monumental step toward regional peace, the plan explicitly demands acceptance from Hamas, with Trump signaling Israel would have his “full backing” to eliminate the militant group if the terms are rejected. Netanyahu echoed this resolve, stating Israel would “finish the job by itself,” emphasizing that the outcome would be achieved “the easy way or the hard way.”
However, the immediate feasibility of Hamas agreeing to these conditions appears low. Key stipulations include Hamas disarming, accepting a significantly reduced Israeli withdrawal, and relinquishing any future role in Gaza’s governance. Hamas representatives have asserted they were not consulted on the plan and had not received a copy prior to its public release.
The proposal mandates a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, commencing with the return of all living and deceased hostages. Further withdrawals would be contingent on an “International Stabilization Force” being ready to ensure internal security. Notably, Israel would be permitted to maintain a substantial “buffer zone” within Gaza’s borders for the foreseeable future, raising questions about the permanency of troop presence.
Under the terms, Hamas would receive a prisoner exchange, involving 250 inmates serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, including all women and children from that group. Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and surrender their weapons would be granted amnesty, with safe passage offered to those wishing to leave Gaza.
The plan places stringent conditions on Hamas, requiring it to renounce any role in Gaza’s governance, dismantle its military and offensive infrastructure (including tunnels and weapon production facilities), and agree to demilitarization under independent monitoring. A “New Gaza” would be committed to building a prosperous economy and peaceful coexistence, with regional partners guaranteeing Hamas’s compliance and ensuring Gaza poses no future threat.
The proposal’s stance on Palestinian statehood is notably understated. While recognizing it as “the aspiration of the Palestinian people,” it merely suggests that a “credible pathway” to statehood might emerge once Gaza is rebuilt and the Palestinian Authority (PA) completes a “reform program.” This vagueness leaves considerable room for interpretation and concern among Palestinian advocates.
Key Provisions of the White House Gaza Cease-Fire Plan:
- De-radicalized and Terror-Free Gaza: The vision for Gaza is a zone free from terror threats, redeveloped for the benefit of its people.
- Immediate End to War: If both sides agree, the war will end immediately. Israeli forces will withdraw to an agreed line, suspending all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, until full withdrawal conditions are met.
- Hostage Return: All hostages, living and deceased, to be returned within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance.
- Prisoner Exchange: Israel to release 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained post-October 7, 2023 (including all women and children). For every Israeli hostage’s remains, 15 deceased Gazans’ remains will be released.
- Hamas Amnesty and Exit: Hamas members committing to peaceful coexistence and decommissioning weapons will receive amnesty. Those wishing to leave Gaza will be granted safe passage to designated receiving countries.
- Hamas no Governance Role: Hamas and other factions must agree to have no role in Gaza’s governance, directly or indirectly.
- Destruction and Demilitarization: All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. Demilitarization will occur under independent monitors, with weapons decommissioning supported by an internationally funded buy-back and reintegration program.
- Humanitarian Aid: Full aid to be sent immediately into Gaza, consistent with the January 19, 2025, humanitarian aid agreement. This includes infrastructure rehabilitation, hospitals, bakeries, and equipment for rubble removal. Aid distribution will be free from interference, managed by the United Nations, the Red Crescent, and other independent international institutions. The Rafah crossing will operate under the January 19, 2025, mechanism.
- Transitional Governance: Gaza to be governed by a temporary, technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee of qualified Palestinians and international experts. This will be overseen by a new “Board of Peace,” chaired by former President Donald J. Trump, with other heads of state (including former Prime Minister Tony Blair) to be announced.
- Gaza Redevelopment: The Board will define the framework and secure funding for redevelopment until the Palestinian Authority completes its reform program (as per Trump’s 2020 peace plan and the Saudi-French proposal) and can securely govern Gaza. A “Trump economic development plan” will engage experts to rebuild Gaza, attracting investments for jobs and opportunities. A special economic zone with preferred tariffs will be established.
- No Forced Displacement: No one will be forced to leave Gaza; those leaving are free to do so and to return. People are encouraged to stay and build a better Gaza.
- Regional Guarantees: Regional partners will guarantee Hamas’s and other factions’ compliance, ensuring “New Gaza” poses no threat.
- International Stabilization Force (I.S.F.): The U.S. will work with Arab and international partners to deploy a temporary I.S.F. to train and support vetted Palestinian police forces, consulting Jordan and Egypt. The I.S.F. will be the long-term internal security solution and will secure border areas with Israeli and Egyptian cooperation to prevent munitions entry and facilitate goods flow. A de-confliction mechanism will be established.
- No Israeli Occupation/Annexation: Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (I.D.F.) will withdraw as the I.S.F. establishes control and stability, based on agreed demilitarization standards and timelines. A security perimeter will remain until Gaza is properly secure from terror threats.
- Contingency for Hamas Rejection: If Hamas delays or rejects the proposal, the aid operation and other provisions will proceed in terror-free areas handed over from the I.D.F. to the I.S.F.
- Interfaith Dialogue: A process will be established to foster tolerance and peaceful coexistence, aiming to change mindsets and narratives.
- Pathway to Statehood: As Gaza redevelopment and Palestinian Authority reform advance, conditions “may finally be in place” for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The U.S. will facilitate dialogue for a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence.
Further Developments and Reactions:
Several Israeli opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, have publicly praised Trump’s plan, calling it a suitable basis for a hostage deal and an end to the war. They indicated readiness to support Netanyahu’s government in implementing the agreement, even against objections from his right-wing coalition partners. However, not all within Netanyahu’s Likud Party fully embraced the vision, with some ministers describing it as “peace through strength” but categorically stating there would “never be a Palestinian state.”
Reports suggest Hamas is unlikely to accept the plan in its current form, as it contradicts their long-held demands for a permanent end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal before releasing all hostages. The plan’s rapid 72-hour hostage release timeframe contrasts with an unclear timetable for Israeli withdrawal, which is tied to demilitarization milestones. Hamas has consistently refused demands to disarm.
The proposal includes a temporary board to oversee Gaza’s redevelopment, with Trump slated to serve as its chairman—a role he enthusiastically accepted, citing his interest in Gaza’s waterfront. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is also emerging as a potential key figure in Gaza’s reconstruction, advocating for a UN-mandated transitional authority, a role he is being considered to lead. Blair’s long history in Middle East diplomacy, though sometimes controversial, aligns him with efforts to foster regional stability and economic development.
Concerns were immediately raised about the plan’s lack of explicit assurances regarding a final Israeli military withdrawal, as it allows for a “buffer area” to remain until Gaza is “properly secure from any resurgent terror threat,” with no clear criteria or timeline for this assessment. This suggests Israel could maintain a presence indefinitely. Additionally, while the plan encourages Palestinians to remain in Gaza and offers opportunities for rebuilding, it marks a shift from earlier discussions where Trump had suggested mass emigration from the enclave, an idea widely dismissed as unfeasible.
Understanding the Palestinian Authority
Established in 1994 under the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority (PA) was originally envisioned as a temporary administration leading to an independent Palestinian state. It manages civil affairs in parts of the West Bank and collaborates with Israel on security, though relations have often been strained. Mahmoud Abbas, the PA’s 89-year-old president since 2005, has drawn criticism for alleged corruption and authoritarianism, with recent polls indicating a majority of Palestinians desire his resignation. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have consistently labeled the PA as corrupt and an impediment to peace. Conversely, supporters argue that its corruption is no worse than other Arab governments and that Israeli occupation hinders its effectiveness.
The Significance of Palestinian State Recognition
Recently, several nations, including traditional Israeli allies such as France, Britain, and Canada, have recognized Palestinian statehood. This symbolic gesture, now supported by nearly 150 countries, has increased Israel’s international isolation. Both Israel and its U.S. allies oppose this recognition, viewing it as a reward for Hamas, the Islamist group that has controlled Gaza and initiated the 2023 attack on Israel. Amidst growing international pressure, some Israeli officials have even suggested annexing parts of the West Bank in response, a move opposed by Trump.
The PA’s Role in Postwar Gaza
Despite significant obstacles and ongoing hostilities in Gaza City, discussions continue on ending the conflict. Abbas has affirmed Gaza as an integral part of a future Palestinian state and expressed his government’s willingness to assume responsibility for the enclave, explicitly stating that Hamas would have no governing role. New proposals suggest a limited PA role in Gaza’s governance, advocating for substantial reforms, particularly in security, to address corruption concerns. Another proposal, the “New York declaration,” envisions a transitional committee under the PA, with elections held within a year of a cease-fire. However, Hamas stated on Sunday that it had received no new proposals and negotiations remain stalled.
The PA-Hamas Relationship
The Palestinian Authority and Hamas have a long-standing and deep-seated rivalry. After Hamas won the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, it violently expelled the Fatah-dominated PA from Gaza in 2007, taking full control. Numerous reconciliation attempts have failed. Abbas has condemned the 2023 Hamas-led attack, advocating for a modern Palestinian state, peaceful transition, and a disarmed Hamas. Hamas, however, has rejected any assertion that it would have no role in Gaza’s government after the war, calling it “an infringement on our Palestinian people’s inherent right to self-determination,” and vowing not to lay down its weapons “as long as the occupation continues.”