Overview of the Trump Gaza Peace Plan
In a bid to end the Israel-Hamas war, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace proposal that envisions a redeveloped Gaza dubbed “New Gaza” and an international “Board of Peace” led by Trump himself. The plan hinges on Hamas acceptance and proposes a rapid sequence of steps that would end hostilities, secure hostage returns, and lay the groundwork for a longer-term rebuilding effort. While the framework aims to be comprehensive, many details would be negotiated by the parties once a ceasefire is in place.
Key Provisions at a Glance
Ceasefire, hostages, and withdrawal
Under the plan, if both sides agree, fighting would cease immediately. Israeli forces would partially withdraw to enable a hostage release, and all military operations would be suspended with battle lines frozen until conditions exist for a complete staged withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Hostages and prisoner releases
Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting the proposal, all hostages—alive and dead—would be returned. Israel would then release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans arrested after the start of the conflict on October 7, 2023. For each Israeli hostage’s remains released, Israel would release the remains of 15 Gazan individuals.
Governance and amnesty for Hamas members
Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and relinquish arms would be granted amnesty. Those wishing to leave Gaza would be provided with safe passage to receiving countries.
Aid, redevelopment, and oversight
Once accepted, full aid would flow into Gaza immediately, with quantities aligned to a January 19, 2025 accord. Aid deliveries would proceed through the United Nations and related agencies without interference from either side.
Deradicalization and economic transformation
The plan envisions a deradicalized Gaza that is redeveloped for Gazans’ benefit. A broad international framework would oversee funding and development until Palestinian Authority reforms progress, with a focus on creating a more prosperous economy.
International governance and the economic zone
A “Board of Peace”—an international overseer group led by Trump and including other figures such as Tony Blair in an undefined role—would supervise the transition. A technocratic, apolitical Gaza administration, composed of Palestinians and international experts, would govern temporarily under the Board’s oversight, steering the redevelopment and funding until broader reforms are achieved. A special economic zone would be established with favorable tariff and access terms negotiated with participating countries.
People’s mobility and demilitarization
No one would be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to depart could do so and later return. The plan emphasizes encouraging residents to stay and build a better Gaza. Hamas and allied factions would have no governing role in Gaza, and all military infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons facilities, would be destroyed under independent monitoring of demilitarization.
Security arrangements and regional oversight
New Gaza would be supported by an international stabilization force to maintain security as the region adjusts. Regional partners would ensure Hamas and related factions comply with obligations, guarding against any renewed threat to neighbors. Israel would not occupy or annex Gaza and would transfer occupied areas progressively to the international force.
Path to Palestinian statehood
The plan is non-committal on a direct pathway to statehood. It notes that as Gaza redevelopment advances and Palestinian Authority reforms take effect, conditions might be in place for a credible path to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, an aspiration long voiced by Palestinian leaders.
What Happens Next
Analysts say the plan’s success depends on Hamas’s willingness to accept the terms and on sustained international coordination. Detractors worry about the durability of a framework with heavy external oversight, while proponents argue it offers a clear, structured route to humanitarian relief, security assurances, and long-term redevelopment for Gaza.
Conclusion
By tying immediate relief and demilitarization to a broader redevelopment strategy, the Trump Gaza Peace Plan aims to alter the trajectory of the conflict. Whether negotiators can translate the framework into a live ceasefire and lasting peace will depend on the parties’ political calculations and the ability of international mediators to manage complex guarantees and oversight.
