US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a joint press conference at the White House on Monday, unveiling a 21-principle peace plan aimed at ending the nearly two-year war in Gaza.
Trump’s Gaza peace plan
- Gaza would be transformed into a non-extremist, terror-free zone, posing no threat to its neighbours.
- The territory would be redeveloped for the benefit of its people, who have suffered greatly over the years.
- If both sides agree to the proposal, the war would end immediately. Israeli forces would withdraw to a designated line in preparation for the release of hostages. During this period, all military operations — including aerial and artillery bombardments — would be suspended, and the front would remain stable until conditions for a full phased withdrawal are met.
- All hostages, alive or deceased, would be returned within 72 hours of Israeli public approval.
- Following the release of hostages, Israel would free 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023, including all women and children. For each Israeli hostage, Israel would return the remains of 15 deceased Palestinians.
- Hamas members willing to lay down their arms and peacefully coexist would be granted amnesty. Those wishing to leave Gaza would be provided safe passage.
- Upon approval of the agreement, full humanitarian aid would be sent to Gaza immediately. This includes equipment for rebuilding infrastructure such as water, electricity, and sewage systems; rehabilitating hospitals and bakeries; clearing rubble; and reopening roads.
- The delivery and distribution of aid would be overseen by the United Nations, the Red Crescent, and other impartial international organizations, without hindrance. The Rafah Crossing’s operation would follow the January 19, 2025 agreement.
- Gaza would be administered temporarily by a technical, non-political Palestinian committee, responsible for public services and municipal management. The committee would include qualified Palestinian and international experts and be overseen by a new international interim body — the “Peace Board” — chaired by Donald J. Trump. Other members and heads of state would be nominated later, including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body would manage Gaza’s development and funding until the Palestinian Authority completes its reforms.
- Under Trump’s economic development plan, a committee of experts would rebuild Gaza and strengthen its economy, creating investment and job opportunities.
- A special economic zone would be established, offering preferential tariffs and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.
- No resident would be forced to leave Gaza, and those who choose to leave would retain the right to return.
- Hamas and other armed groups would play no role in Gaza’s governance. All military, terrorist, and offensive structures — including tunnels and weapons factories — would be destroyed. Weapons would be deactivated under the supervision of independent observers to ensure Gaza’s demilitarization.
- Regional partners would guarantee that Hamas and other groups fulfill their obligations and that Gaza no longer poses a threat to its neighbors or its own people.
- The United States, along with Arab and international partners, would establish an International Security Assistance Force (ISF). This force would deploy immediately to Gaza, train and assist Palestinian police, and benefit from the experiences of Egypt and Jordan.
- Israel would neither occupy nor annex Gaza. With the ISF’s deployment, Israeli forces would withdraw in stages, maintaining security parameters until Gaza is fully stable.
- If Hamas delays or rejects the plan, aid operations would continue in areas free of terrorism.
- Interfaith dialogue would be launched to promote peace and tolerance between Palestinians and Israelis.
- Once Gaza’s reconstruction and Palestinian Authority reforms are completed, a credible path toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood would be established.
- The United States would ensure a political horizon for dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians, fostering peaceful and prosperous coexistence.
