Overview of the proposal and the conditional backing
The United States unveiled a 20-point plan aimed at stopping the Gaza war, delivering it through mediators from Qatar and Egypt who presented the document to Hamas negotiators. President Donald Trump stood beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and spoke of the moment as perhaps one of the most important days in modern civilization, while hoping for a positive response from Hamas. Netanyahu signaled cautious support, insisting that Israel would proceed if the plan can be implemented and if Hamas does not undermine it.
Crucially, Trump indicated he would have the U.S.
full backing for Gaza if Hamas rejects the plan or if it seeks to stall it. The plan sets out a path to halt the fighting immediately, followed by a phased Israeli withdrawal and a set of conditions designed to facilitate hostage releases and a broader political shift in Gaza.
Key elements of the 20-point plan
Immediate ceasefire and hostage releases
At the core is an immediate end to the war, paired with a phased redeployment of Israeli forces. The plan calls for the release of hostages within 72 hours after Israel signals agreement, following which about 1,700 Palestinians held in Gaza would be freed, along with around 250 Palestinians serving life sentences.
Governance in Gaza
The proposal envisions a temporary, technocratic, apolitical authority to manage daily affairs in Gaza. Hamas would be excluded from this transitional governance. A “peace committee,” chaired by Donald Trump, would supervise the transition, with former British prime minister Tony Blair playing a role in shaping the process.
Security and stabilization
In parallel, the plan proposes the creation of an international stabilization force (ISF) to be deployed immediately to Gaza, working with regional and international partners to ensure security and stability as the political transition unfolds.
Palestinian leadership and what happens next
The framework emphasizes that no one in Gaza should be expelled and encourages residents to stay, while offering options to help build a better Gaza. The Palestinian Authority would be granted limited involvement, contingent on a genuine transformation of the current governance structure and adherence to the plan’s terms.
According to the plan, members of Hamas who commit to peaceful coexistence with Israel and surrender their weapons could eventually receive amnesty. The proposal also contemplates long-term arrangements that could alter the political landscape in Gaza, contingent on compliance and security assurances.
Global reactions and political signaling
Responses from international actors were mixed but generally supportive of the thrust of a negotiated settlement. French president Emmanuel Macron publicly urged Israel to engage decisively with the plan, while British former prime minister Tony Blair praised the approach. The plan also drew comments from regional actors, with several Arab and Muslim states welcoming the efforts toward a diplomatic solution.
On-the-ground context and humanitarian considerations
Context remains grave: the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas led to thousands of deaths and a deep humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As mediation advances, the plan seeks to address both security demands and humanitarian needs, including preventing forced displacement and offering avenues for rebuilding and reconciliation.
Numbers and broader context
Official tallies tied to the conflict reflect heavy civilian casualties in Gaza and ongoing captures, underscoring the urgency behind any ceasefire and stabilization plan. The plan’s supporters argue that a structured transition could save lives and create a framework for durable peace, while critics warn of the risks and the need for verifiable guarantees from all sides.
