The conflict between Hamas and Israel, which began on October 7, 2023, has potentially opened a path toward peace with a recent proposal. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has put forward a 20-point peace deal designed to bring stability to Gaza. This plan has been discussed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has expressed his agreement.
Now, the focus is on Hamas’s reaction. The 20-point plan details specific conditions. A core requirement of the deal is that if Hamas agrees, all hostages will be released within 72 hours. If Hamas does not comply, Israel, supported by the United States, will take necessary actions.
The following are the main elements of the 20-point plan:
1. Gaza will be turned into a terror-free zone, posing no danger to surrounding nations.
2. Reconstruction efforts in Gaza will aim to benefit the local population.
3. Immediate end to the war if agreed upon, with the Israeli military withdrawing to allow for the release of hostages.
4. The return of all hostages, both alive and deceased, within 72 hours after Israel publicly accepts the deal.
5. Release of 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023, following the release of hostages. For each deceased Israeli hostage, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
6. Amnesty for Hamas members who agree to lay down their weapons after the release of the hostages.
7. Aid will be sent to Gaza immediately after the agreement is approved.
8. Aid will be distributed through the United Nations, Red Crescent, and other international organizations, ensuring there is no interference.
9. An interim non-political Palestinian committee will run Gaza, supervised by an international Board of Peace, led by Donald Trump with figures like Tony Blair, to manage reconstruction and finances until the Palestinian Authority assumes control.
10. Formation of a special panel to rebuild and develop Gaza through an economic development plan.
11. Establishment of a special economic zone with preferential trade terms for participating nations.
12. Freedom of movement for all residents, with no forced relocation; those who wish to leave will be able to return.
13. Hamas and other groups will not have a role in governance. The destruction and prohibition of military infrastructure is planned.
14. Regional partners will guarantee compliance with the terms, ensuring that the new Gaza presents no new threats.
15. An International Stabilization Force (ISF), spearheaded by the US with Arab and international partners, will be deployed immediately to Gaza, to train and support the Palestinian police.
16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza; the IDF will withdraw as the ISF establishes stability.
17. Provisions, including aid, will be extended to terror-free areas controlled by the ISF if Hamas rejects the agreement.
18. A process for interfaith dialogue will be established.
19. Advancing the possibility of Palestinian statehood with Gaza’s reconstruction and the implementation of the Palestinian Authority’s reform program.
20. The U.S. will initiate a dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians to establish a framework for peace.