In a significant diplomatic move, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday unveiled a comprehensive proposal designed to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Heralded by both leaders as a crucial step towards peace in the Middle East, the plan was presented with a firm demand for Hamas to accept its terms.
However, immediate reactions suggest that Hamas is unlikely to readily agree. The militant group’s current stance, consistently rejecting conditions such as disarmament and a limited Israeli withdrawal, makes an easy acceptance improbable. Reports indicate that Hamas was not consulted during the plan’s formulation, though negotiators from Qatar and Egypt have shared the details with Hamas representatives, who have pledged to review it in good faith.
Standing alongside President Trump at the White House, Prime Minister Netanyahu quickly voiced his support for the initiative. Trump, in turn, issued a stark warning: if Hamas fails to agree to the proposed terms, Israel would have his “full backing” to decisively eliminate the group as a threat. Netanyahu echoed this resolve, stating, “This can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done.”
Key Aspects of the White House’s Gaza Cease-Fire Plan:
- Gaza is envisioned as a de-radicalized, terror-free zone that poses no threat to its neighbors.
- The territory will be redeveloped for the benefit of its people, who have endured immense suffering.
- An immediate end to the war would follow if both sides agree. Israeli forces would initially withdraw to an agreed-upon line to facilitate hostage release, with military operations suspended.
- All hostages, alive and deceased, are to be returned within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting the agreement.
- In exchange, Israel would release 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack, including all women and children. For every deceased Israeli hostage, 15 deceased Gazans would be released.
- Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and decommission weapons would receive amnesty. Those wishing to leave Gaza would be granted safe passage.
- Full humanitarian aid would immediately flow into the Gaza Strip, consistent with previous agreements, covering infrastructure, hospitals, bakeries, and rubble removal. Aid distribution would be managed by the United Nations, its agencies, and the Red Crescent, without interference from either party. The Rafah crossing would reopen under established mechanisms.
- Gaza’s governance would fall under a temporary, technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for public services. This committee would include qualified Palestinians and international experts, overseen by a new “Board of Peace” chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other heads of state and former Prime Minister Tony Blair as potential members.
- This international body would manage Gaza’s redevelopment funding until the Palestinian Authority completes a reform program, aligning with earlier peace proposals, allowing it to securely govern Gaza.
- An economic development plan, led by President Trump and a panel of experts, aims to rebuild and energize Gaza, creating jobs and opportunities through thoughtful investments and a special economic zone.
- No one would be forced to leave Gaza; safe passage and the opportunity to return would be guaranteed for those who choose to leave.
- Hamas and other factions must relinquish any role in Gaza’s governance, with all military and offensive infrastructure destroyed and not rebuilt. A demilitarization process, supervised by independent monitors, would decommission weapons, supported by an internationally funded buy-back and reintegration program.
- Regional partners would guarantee Hamas’s compliance and ensure a “New Gaza” poses no threat.
- A temporary International Stabilization Force (I.S.F.), developed by the U.S. with Arab and international partners, would deploy in Gaza, training and supporting vetted Palestinian police forces, and securing border areas with Israel and Egypt to prevent munitions entry and ensure free flow of goods.
- Israel would not occupy or annex Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (I.D.F.) would withdraw in stages, based on agreed-upon demilitarization milestones and timeframes, with a security perimeter remaining until Gaza is secure from terror threats.
- If Hamas delays or rejects the plan, aid operations would still proceed in terror-free areas handed over from the I.D.F. to the I.S.F.
- An interfaith dialogue promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence would be established to foster changed mindsets among Palestinians and Israelis.
- Palestinian self-determination and statehood, recognized as the aspiration of the Palestinian people, may become a credible pathway once Gaza is rebuilt and the Palestinian Authority’s reform program is faithfully implemented. The U.S. would facilitate dialogue for a political horizon towards peaceful coexistence.
The situation on the ground remains tense. Even as these diplomatic discussions unfold, Israeli forces continue their operations in Gaza City, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who face an ongoing crisis of fear, hunger, and bombardment. The conflict has severely impacted Israel’s global standing, with Prime Minister Netanyahu facing allegations of war crimes and several European allies recognizing a Palestinian state. The fate of at least 20 living and 25 deceased Israeli hostages held by Hamas also remains a critical concern, underscoring the urgency and complexity of the proposed cease-fire.