On September 29, US President Donald Trump presented his 20-point peace plan to end the conflict in Gaza, which received the support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but is still awaiting Hamas' response.
This initiative is Donald Trump's attempt to resolve the nearly two-year conflict, which has claimed more than 66,000 Palestinian lives.
The main components of the peace plan
Trump's plan calls for an immediate ceasefire with the release of all remaining prisoners within 72 hours of the agreement being signed. According to Israeli sources, Hamas is holding 48 prisoners, 20 of whom are still alive.
In exchange for the release of all prisoners, both living and dead, Israel would release more than two thousand Palestinian prisoners. For every remains of an Israeli prisoner, they would hand over 15 dead Palestinians.
The plan calls for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip along predetermined lines. All military operations would cease and the front lines would remain frozen until the conditions for complete withdrawal are met. In addition, a demilitarized zone would be created.
Administration of the territory and international supervision
According to the proposal, Gaza would be temporarily administered by a technocratic Palestinian committee responsible for providing daily services to the inhabitants of the territory. This committee would operate under the supervision of a new international peace council chaired by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Hamas would be excluded from any role in the administration of the territory.
The Palestinian Authority would initially have only limited representation, with a greater role to play only after the necessary reforms have been implemented.
The United States would work with Arab partners and other international actors to establish a temporary stabilization force to maintain public order and peace.
Demands for the disarmament of Hamas
The plan calls for the complete disarmament of Hamas, including the destruction of all military facilities, tunnels, and weapons factories. Independent observers would monitor the demilitarization process.
Members of Hamas who commit to peaceful coexistence and disarmament would receive amnesty, while others would face exile.
However, Hamas has always rejected complete disarmament without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. The group considers disarmament to be surrender.
Economic reconstruction and “New Gaza”
The plan envisions the creation of a “New Gaza” focused on promoting a prosperous economy and peaceful coexistence with neighboring countries. The economic development program would be formulated by a group of experts with experience in building modern cities in the Middle East.
No one would be forced to leave Gaza, and those who choose to emigrate would be free to do so, with the option of returning. The plan emphasizes that residents should be given the opportunity to stay and build a better Gaza.
The stance of the key players
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his support for the plan, stating that it fulfills Israel's war aims, including the return of all prisoners, the dismantling of Hamas' military capabilities, and ensuring that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel.
At the same time, Netanyahu strongly opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state, which remains one of the main points of contention.
Netanyahu is under increasing pressure from the families of the hostages and, according to opinion polls, from the war-weary Israeli public. However, he also risks the collapse of his coalition government if ministers on the far right conclude that he has made too many concessions in the interests of a peace agreement.
Support from the international community
The Palestinian Authority welcomed Trump's efforts and reaffirmed its willingness to work with the US and its partners to reach a comprehensive agreement.
The initiative was also supported in a joint statement by eight Arab-Muslim countries—Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
"I welcome President (Trump)'s plan to end the war in Gaza and am encouraged by Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu's positive response. The situation in Gaza is intolerable. The hostilities must end and all hostages must be released immediately," European Council President António Costa wrote on X.
Challenges and uncertainties
Hamas' non-participation in the negotiations and its repeated refusal to disarm have raised doubts about the feasibility of Trump's plan.
The militant group said on Monday that it had not yet received a complete plan for review. However, through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, it announced that it would review it “in good faith.” In the past, however, Hamas has repeatedly rejected disarmament.
The plan leaves many details to be negotiated, and its success depends primarily on whether Hamas accepts the conditions, which include disarmament, the release of prisoners, and acceptance of international administration of the Gaza Strip.
(reuters)