Trump’s Peace Plan For Gaza Awaits Hamas Approval
President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan to end the war in Gaza has received formal endorsement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and cautious support from Arab and Muslim states. But the proposal remains stalled as Hamas has yet to issue a formal response. The plan, released at a joint press conference in Washington, outlines a ceasefire, prisoner exchange, humanitarian aid, and a transitional governance framework led by Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Netanyahu Backs Plan, Warns Hamas
Standing beside Trump at the White House, Netanyahu declared that “I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which achieves our war aims.” “This can be done the easy way, or the hard way. But it will be done.”
Trump added that “If Hamas doesn’t accept the terms, Israel will have our full backing to finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas.” “Bibi, you’d have our full backing to do what you would have to do.”
The plan was transmitted to Hamas via Qatar and Egypt. As of Tuesday morning, Hamas had not issued a formal reply.
A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that “We will respond once we receive the full written proposal.” “The weapons of the resistance are a red line as long as the occupation continues.”
Arab States Cautiously Endorse
Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar issued a joint statement supporting the plan’s direction.
It provided that it leads to Palestinian statehood and prevents Israeli annexation. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly endorsed the plan before its release, saying, “I welcome President Trump’s 20-point plan to ensure an end to the war in Gaza.”
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto also held consultations with Trump, continuing efforts to expand the Abraham Accords.
Expert View: Fragile But Unprecedented
Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, noted that “Netanyahu played this smart. Close enough by redefining Trump’s plan within his own needs and constraints. Even if Hamas accepts, the amount of negotiating, arguing, and politicking will take weeks, if not months, with no clear outcome.”
PBS analysts highlighted that the plan differs from previous ceasefire proposals by addressing Gaza’s post-war governance.
It places the territory under international oversight and proposes a civilian police force, peacekeeping troops, and monitored borders.
Full text: Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan
- Gaza will become a deradicalized, terror-free zone that poses no threat to its neighbors.
- Gaza will be redeveloped to benefit its people, who have suffered greatly.
- If both sides accept the plan, the war ends immediately; Israeli forces withdraw to prepare for hostage release, and all military operations pause.
- Within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.
- Israel will release 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, including all women and children. For every Israeli hostage’s remains, 15 deceased Gazans will be returned.
- Hamas members who agree to peaceful coexistence and disarmament will be granted amnesty. Those wishing to leave Gaza will be given safe passage.
- Full humanitarian aid will be sent immediately, matching the January 19, 2025, benchmarks, including infrastructure, hospitals, bakeries, and rubble removal.
- Aid distribution will be managed by the UN and the Red Crescent without interference. Rafah crossing will reopen under the same January 19 mechanism.
- Gaza will be temporarily governed by a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee.
- Oversight will be provided by a “Board of Peace” chaired by Donald Trump and joined by Tony Blair and other leaders.
- The board will coordinate reconstruction, governance, and civilian protection.
- The board will oversee disarmament and ensure compliance with the agreement.
- A civilian police force will be trained by international experts to maintain law and order.
- Peacekeeping forces from neutral countries will be deployed to ensure stability.
- Gaza’s borders will be monitored by international observers to prevent smuggling and unauthorized entry.
- Free and fair elections will be held within 18 months under international supervision.
- The elected government will assume full control of Gaza’s administration and security.
- A $10 billion international fund will be established for Gaza’s reconstruction, with contributions from the U.S., EU, Gulf states, and others.
- A regional economic council will be formed to integrate Gaza into broader trade and development initiatives.
- All parties will commit to non-aggression and peaceful resolution of future disputes.
