The conflict between Hamas and Israel, which began on October 7, 2023, has seen a potential shift towards peace with a recent proposition. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has put forth a 20-point peace deal for Gaza. Following a meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his approval of Trump’s proposal.
With Netanyahu’s agreement secured, the focus now turns to Hamas’s response. The proposed deal presents a set of conditions, with a key provision stating that if Hamas accepts the agreement, all hostages will be released within 72 hours. Failure to comply would lead to an Israeli military response, backed by the United States.
Here are the 20 key elements of the peace plan:
1. Gaza will be a terror-free zone, ensuring no threats to neighboring countries.
2. Reconstruction efforts in Gaza will focus on benefiting the local population.
3. Immediate cessation of hostilities upon agreement, with the Israeli military withdrawing to facilitate the release of hostages, suspending all military actions.
4. The return of all hostages, both living and deceased, within 72 hours after public acceptance of the agreement by Israel.
5. Following the hostage release, Israel will free 250 prisoners serving life sentences, and 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023. For each deceased Israeli hostage, Israel will return the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
6. Amnesty for Hamas members who agree to lay down their arms after the hostage release.
7. Immediate aid delivery to Gaza upon the agreement’s acceptance.
8. Aid distribution through the United Nations, Red Crescent, and international organizations, ensuring no interference.
9. Interim governance of Gaza by a non-political Palestinian committee, overseen by an international Board of Peace, led by Donald Trump and including figures like Tony Blair, focusing on reconstruction and financial management until the Palestinian Authority takes over.
10. Establishment of a specialist panel to drive Gaza’s reconstruction and empowerment through an economic development plan.
11. Creation of a special economic zone, providing preferred tariffs and access rates for participating nations.
12. Freedom of movement for all residents; no one will be forced to leave, and those who wish to leave will be free to return.
13. Exclusion of Hamas and other groups from any governance role; destruction and prohibition of all military, terrorist, and offensive infrastructures.
14. Regional partners will guarantee compliance with the terms, guaranteeing no new threats.
15. Formation of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) for immediate deployment to Gaza, led by the US with Arab and international partners, focused on training and supporting the Palestinian police.
16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza, with the IDF withdrawing as the ISF establishes stability.
17. Application of provisions, including increased aid, to terror-free areas assigned to the ISF by the IDF if Hamas rejects the deal.
18. Establishment of an interfaith dialogue process.
19. Advancement towards Palestinian statehood as Gaza is rebuilt and the Palestinian Authority’s reform program progresses.
20. US-led dialogue between Israel and Palestinians to establish a political framework for peace.