Inside Trump’s Gaza Peace Proposal: Hostage release, Hamas disarmament, reconstruction, and a conditional path to Palestinian statehood

US President Donald Trump on Monday unveiled a sweeping 20-point peace proposal for Gaza, backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, setting out a roadmap from an immediate ceasefire to the eventual reconstruction of the war-torn enclave. 

The plan now hinges on whether Hamas will accept terms that require disarmament and loss of political control in return for humanitarian relief and promises of a “New Gaza”, leaves key details for negotiators to resolve and hinges on Hamas agreeing to the terms.

Ceasefire and hostage release

If accepted, fighting would stop immediately. Israeli forces would partially withdraw to allow the release of hostages. “All military operations will be suspended and battle lines frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal of Israeli forces,” the plan stated.

Within 72 hours of Israel accepting the proposal, all hostages would be returned. Israel would also release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans arrested since the conflict began. For every Israeli hostage’s remains returned, Israel will release 15 deceased Gazans.

 Also Read: Israel must finish job against Hamas in Gaza: Netanyahu’s defiant UN speech sparks massive walkouts 

Hamas and amnesty

Hamas members who “commit to peaceful coexistence” and surrender their arms would be granted amnesty. Those wishing to leave Gaza would be allowed safe passage to other countries. The group and its allies would have no role in governing Gaza, and all military infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons facilities, would be dismantled.

Humanitarian aid and redevelopment

The plan promises immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza, coordinated by the United Nations and other international agencies. Trump’s redevelopment vision includes an economic plan devised by experts “who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East.”

Residents will not be forced to leave Gaza. “We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza,” the proposal read.

Board of peace and governance

Gaza would be run temporarily by a “technocratic, apolitical” committee of Palestinians and international experts under the supervision of the Board of Peace. Trump and Blair would oversee funding and governance frameworks for reconstruction, until the Palestinian Authority undergoes reforms.

Security and international oversight

A temporary International Stabilisation Force, backed by the US and Arab partners, would deploy immediately. Israel would gradually hand over control of Gaza while maintaining a “security perimeter presence.”

Also Read: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu plans to seize all of Gaza; Hamas warns ‘won’t be a walk in the park’

Pathway to Palestinian statehood

The plan offers a tentative path to statehood, stating that if the Palestinian Authority reforms and Gaza’s redevelopment progresses, “the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognise as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.”

Reactions and challenges

Qatar’s prime minister and Egypt’s intelligence chief presented the 20-point plan to Hamas negotiators on Monday evening. Hamas representatives said they would study the proposal “in good faith” before issuing a response, as per foreign media reports. So far, however, the group has rejected the idea of disarmament, insisting it retains the right to resist until what it calls the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands comes to an end.

Meanwhile, regional powers have largely welcomed the framework. The governments of Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement praising President Trump’s initiative.

Within Israel, Netanyahu could face pushback from his hard-line coalition. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich outlined “red lines” on X, insisting the Palestinian Authority must not govern Gaza nor should a Palestinian state be allowed. Despite these hurdles, both Trump and Netanyahu expressed confidence in the plan, though Netanyahu noted he doubts the Palestinian Authority will fully reform.