Overview of the Gaza Peace Plan
On Monday, former U.S. President Donald Trump laid out a detailed 20‑point plan aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip. He framed the proposal as a path to a Gaza “free from extremism and terrorism” and, by extension, a region less prone to conflict with its neighbors. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, and within 72 hours, the release of all Israeli hostages—living and deceased—while offering Israel a staged withdrawal from large parts of the Gaza Strip.
In exchange, Israel would progressively disengage from most of Gaza, Palestinian prisoners would be freed, and unhindered humanitarian aid would be allowed to flow into the territory. A central feature is the creation of a transitional governance structure designed to oversee the transition and to pave the way for a lasting political settlement. The framework envisions a temporary Palestinian technocratic committee, supported by international experts, and a new transitional authority—referred to by supporters as a “Peace Authority”—led by Trump himself.
Key Elements and Practical Steps
The plan outlines a sequence of steps intended to rapidly deescalate fighting while laying groundwork for longer‑term statebuilding. Hamas would be disarmed, and any members who choose peaceful coexistence would be granted amnesty. Those who want to leave Gaza would have safe passage, with the option to return later. The emphasis is on creating a controlled, international‑backed interim administration to supervise the transition, with the aim of stabilizing life for ordinary Gazans and restoring basic services stalled by years of conflict.
Voices from Gaza: Hopes and Hesitations
Amira Ahmad’s perspective
Among the Gazan population, reactions mix relief with deep caution. Amira Ahmad, a 28‑year‑old mother of two who recently relocated from Gaza City to Deir al‑Balah, embodies this tension. “We need peace. It’s enough blood. We are exhausted after two years of death, displacement and losses,” she told DN. “But beautiful words are not enough. We want to see something real.” Ahmad, an activist who organizes aid for the needy, says the plan has rekindled a sense that change might be possible, even as fears about the details persist. “When peace comes, I will rebuild my home and continue my work for the community. I am still a strong woman and I will be stronger,” she adds.
Wisam Ayad’s view
Wisam Ayad, a 22‑year‑old journalist based in Deir al‑Balah, frames the plan as a test of credibility. “If Hamas hands over the hostages and lays down its weapons, what happens next? Who guarantees that Israel will stop its attacks and withdraw its soldiers?” Ayad asks, describing the plan as one‑sided in favor of Israel in his view. He fears that even after a hostage release, the danger of bloodshed, displacement, and death could persist if guarantees are not credible. Nevertheless, he also sees a glimmer of possibility that, if implemented, Gaza could begin to recover. “If the war ends, Gaza, despite the destruction, could become one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
<h2 What happens next and the big questions
The proposed timeline envisions immediate steps on the ceasefire and hostage resolution, followed by an orderly drawdown of Israeli forces and the establishment of the transitional authority with an international support framework. Yet many questions remain for Gazans and observers alike: Will the ceasefire be durable? How will accountability be secured for abuses committed during the conflict? What guarantees will exist that the new administration can deliver basic services and security?
<h2 International dimension and local realities
Advocates of the plan argue that international oversight could help secure compliance and rebuild trust with aid organizations that have long operated under siege conditions. Critics, however, warn that without durable regional guarantees and robust enforcement mechanisms, the plan risks becoming another pause rather than a solution. The Gaza Strip’s people—tired of cycles of violence and longing for normalcy—are watching closely to see whether the rhetoric translates into meaningful change on the ground.
<h2 A fragile path to peace
Even supporters acknowledge that any credible path to peace will require sustained international engagement, credible security guarantees, and a governance framework that genuinely represents Gazan civilians. For the moment, the plan has sparked both cautious optimism and hard questions in Gaza, as residents await the specifics that will determine whether a new era of restraint and relief might finally take root.
