Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan: What It Entails
In a late-night briefing, the plan outlined by Donald Trump aims to end the Gaza war with a set of interlinked steps. The core concept combines an immediate ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages within 72 hours, in exchange for a staged Israeli withdrawal from most of the Gaza Strip, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the unfettered flow of humanitarian aid. The proposal emphasizes a disarmament phase for Hamas and offers pardons to members who opt for peaceful coexistence.
Under the outline, those who want to leave Gaza would be allowed safe passage, while residents would be encouraged to stay and participate in rebuilding. A distinctive feature of the plan is the creation of a temporary Palestinian technocratic committee, supported by international experts, and a new transitional authority — the Peace Authority — led by Trump himself. The plan also envisions an empowered international role to monitor and assist as Gaza transitions away from conflict.
Voices from Gaza: Hopes and Skepticism
Reaction on the ground is mixed: a blend of relief for a potential lull and anxiety about what follows. Amira Ahmad, 28, a mother of two who recently relocated from Gaza City to Deir al-Balah, told DN that the population has endured two years of bloodshed and displacement and longs for peace. “We need peace. It’s enough blood,” she said, noting that her ex-husband, a father to her children, was detained early in the fighting and remains missing. “We are hopeful he might be freed.”
Amira, who has become a recognized voice in social support networks, described a shift in public prayer. “Earlier we prayed: ‘Må Gud ge oss seger’ [May God grant us victory]. Now we pray: ‘Må Netanyahu and Trump show mercy toward Gazan people.’” She remains committed to rebuilding and community work once peace takes hold: “When peace comes I will rebuild my home and continue my work for the community.”
Wisam Ayad, a 22-year-old journalist in Deir al-Balah, mirrors the cautious optimism but asks hard questions. “If Hamas hands over the hostages and disarms, what happens next? Who guarantees that Israel will really stop attacking and withdrawing its soldiers?” He warns that even with a release, a bloodbath could continue if security guarantees and governance mechanisms fail. “We fear that the bloodshed, displacement, and deaths may persist.”
Key Provisions and Roadmap
The 20-point plan advances a multi-layer path toward stability. Notable elements include:
- Disarmament of Hamas with pardons for members choosing peaceful co-existence
- Safe passage for those who want to leave Gaza
- A temporary Palestinian technocratic committee in charge of governance, backed by international experts
- A new transitional authority — the Peace Authority — led by the former president
- Unhindered humanitarian aid and a controlled inflow of essential goods
- Protection of civilians and accountability measures
Crucially, the plan states that no one will be forced to leave Gaza. Residents who stay are urged to participate in rebuilding, with emigration available on the condition of safe return for those who wish to come back later.
Uncertainties and the Road Ahead
Many Gazans recognise the potential for a ceasefire but fear the broader political and security landscape. As Wisam Ayad notes, the plan’s structure and the direct leadership role assigned to an ex U.S. figure raise questions about sovereignty, accountability, and the sustainability of peace. The path forward hinges on credible guarantees that Israeli forces will not resume attacks, that humanitarian access remains reliable, and that a political horizon for Palestinians beyond a short-term security deal is visible.
Analysts caution that Hamas’s acceptance is not guaranteed, and that international oversight and local governance capacity will be tested from day one. If the plan advances, it will demand sustained diplomacy, rigorous monitoring, and tangible steps to rebuild communities scarred by years of conflict.
What Comes Next?
For Gazans, the immediate concern is whether the promised ceasefire holds, whether medical care and essential supplies reach those in need, and what real change will look like on the ground. Some see a glimmer of hope amid the devastation; others fear a false dawn and renewed disillusionment. The coming weeks will reveal whether the peace pathway can translate into lasting security, durable governance, and a chance for Gaza to heal and develop — even as the shadows of war linger over every doorstep.
