In a significant development, former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu jointly presented a new proposal on Monday aimed at bringing an end to the protracted conflict in Gaza. Heralded as a crucial step towards Middle East peace, the plan comes with an explicit demand for Hamas to accept its terms.
However, the likelihood of Hamas agreeing to the proposal appears slim. Key conditions include the militant group disarming, relinquishing any future role in governing Gaza, and accepting an Israeli withdrawal that is less than complete. Notably, Hamas had stated both before and after the plan’s release that it was neither consulted on the proposal nor provided with a copy. Speaking at the White House, Mr. Trump issued a stark warning: if Hamas rejects the terms, Israel would have his “full backing” to eradicate the group as a threat.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Netanyahu pledged that Israel would “finish the job by itself” if Hamas refused to comply. He emphasized, “This can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done.”
The proposal outlines a phased Israeli troop withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Initially, forces would pull back to facilitate the return of all Israeli hostages—both living and deceased. A further withdrawal would then occur once an “International Stabilization Force” is established to ensure internal security. Critically, Mr. Netanyahu confirmed that Israel would maintain a substantial buffer zone within Gaza’s borders “for the foreseeable future.”
In exchange, the plan offers Hamas a prisoner swap: 250 inmates serving life sentences and 1,700 other Gazans detained after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel would be released. Additionally, for each deceased Israeli hostage whose remains are returned, Israel would release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans. Hamas members “who commit to peaceful coexistence” and surrender their weapons would be granted amnesty, with those opting to leave Gaza offered safe passage.
However, the militant group would be compelled to renounce any future governance role in Gaza, see its weaponry and offensive infrastructure destroyed, and consent to demilitarization under independent international oversight.
Regarding the Palestinian Authority’s long-held aspiration for statehood, the proposal offers only minimal acknowledgment. While Arab nations advocate for the Authority’s involvement in postwar Gaza, recognizing it as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, Israel views it as corrupt and an impediment to peace. The Trump-Netanyahu plan suggests a role for the Palestinian Authority only after it successfully implements a “reform program.” Significantly, the document refrains from outlining any concrete path to Palestinian statehood, merely stating that if Gaza is rebuilt and the Authority’s reform program is “faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway” to self-determination. The word “may” here underscores the tentative nature of this commitment.
Further Developments and Context:
- Intense Fighting Continues: Even amidst discussions of postwar plans, Israeli forces have intensified their operations in Gaza City, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. For many, this marks multiple forced relocations over two years, trapping them in a relentless cycle of fear, scarcity, and bombardment.
- Waning International Standing: The ongoing conflict has severely impacted Israel’s global reputation. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces allegations of war crimes from the International Criminal Court, and several long-standing European allies have recognized a Palestinian state despite Israeli objections. Israelis traveling abroad are increasingly encountering protests and harassment.
- Hostage Crisis Persists: Despite the immense human cost and destruction in Gaza, the war has yet to achieve Hamas’s surrender or the release of all remaining hostages. Israeli authorities report at least 20 living captives still held, alongside the remains of approximately 25 others.
Details of the White House Cease-Fire Plan:
The comprehensive plan, released by the White House, outlines specific conditions for an immediate cease-fire and the future of the Gaza Strip:
- Gaza is envisioned as a de-radicalized, terror-free zone that poses no threat to its neighbors, with redevelopment focused on benefiting its suffering population.
- An immediate end to the war upon agreement from both sides. Israeli forces would initially withdraw to an agreed-upon line for a hostage release, with all military operations suspended and battle lines frozen until a complete staged withdrawal can occur.
- All hostages, living and deceased, would be returned within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting the agreement.
- Following the hostage release, Israel would free 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained after Oct. 7, 2023, including all women and children. For every Israeli hostage’s remains, Israel would release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
- Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and decommissioning their weapons would receive amnesty. Those wishing to leave Gaza would be granted safe passage.
- Full humanitarian aid would be immediately dispatched to Gaza upon agreement, with quantities consistent with the Jan. 19, 2025, agreement for infrastructure rehabilitation, hospitals, bakeries, and rubble removal. Aid distribution would be managed by the United Nations, its agencies, and the Red Crescent, without interference. The Rafah crossing would operate under the same Jan. 19, 2025, agreement mechanism.
- Gaza would be governed by a temporary, technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee responsible for public services, overseen by a new international transitional body: the “Board of Peace.” This board would be chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with former Prime Minister Tony Blair among other announced members and heads of State. Its mandate is to establish a framework and funding for Gaza’s redevelopment until the Palestinian Authority completes a reform program, enabling it to securely and effectively regain control.
- A “Trump economic development plan” would be created, assembling experts to rebuild and energize Gaza, considering investment proposals to create jobs and opportunities. A special economic zone with preferred tariffs and access rates would be established.
- No one would be forced to leave Gaza; those who wish to leave or return would be free to do so, with encouragement to stay and rebuild.
- Hamas and other factions would be barred from any governance role in Gaza, with all military, terror, and offensive infrastructure destroyed and not rebuilt. A demilitarization process under independent monitors would include weapon decommissioning and an internationally funded buy-back and reintegration program.
- New Gaza would be dedicated to a prosperous economy and peaceful coexistence with their neighbors, with regional partners guaranteeing Hamas’s compliance and Gaza posing no threat.
- The United States would collaborate with Arab and international partners to deploy a temporary International Stabilization Force (I.S.F.) in Gaza, training and supporting vetted Palestinian police forces for long-term internal security. The I.S.F. would also work with Israel and Egypt to secure border areas, prevent munitions entry, and facilitate aid flow. A de-confliction mechanism would be established.
- Israel would not occupy or annex Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (I.D.F.) would withdraw based on agreed demilitarization standards and timelines, aiming for a secure Gaza. The I.D.F. would progressively hand over territory to the I.S.F., retaining a security perimeter until Gaza is safe from renewed terror threats.
- If Hamas delays or rejects the proposal, the aid operation and other provisions would proceed in terror-free areas transferred from the I.D.F. to the I.S.F.
- An interfaith dialogue would be initiated to foster tolerance and peaceful coexistence, emphasizing the benefits of peace for Palestinians and Israelis.
- A credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, recognized as the aspiration of the Palestinian people, may emerge once Gaza is redeveloped and the Palestinian Authority’s reform program is faithfully implemented.
- The United States would facilitate a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence.