US president Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza has been accepted by Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu and is under consideration by Hamas. However, it is light on detail and key questions remain over how it would be implemented.
What does the plan call for?
It proposes an immediate end to the devastating war between Israel and Hamas that has raged in the coastal territory for nearly two years.
Assuming both sides agree to a list of conditions, the end of fighting will be accompanied by the release of all Israeli hostages, both dead and alive, “within 72 hours”.
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In return, Israel would release 250 Palestinians currently serving life sentences and 1,700 Palestinians in Gaza detained since the conflict started on October 7th, 2023, after Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel.
For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Palestinians.
Would Israeli troops withdraw from Gaza?
The plan does not require a full Israeli withdrawal in advance of the release of the hostages. Rather, Israeli forces would withdraw to an agreed upon line, inside Gaza, to prepare for a hostage release.
The plan says that all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended during the release process and battle lines will remain frozen until “conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal”.
Israel will not occupy or annex the territory, which was home to 21 Israeli settlements before their inhabitants were withdrawn in 2005. Nor will anyone be forced to leave Gaza, the plan promises. Those who wish to leave will be allowed to do so freely and permitted to return.
[ Gaza peace plan is far from a done dealOpens in new window ]
What will happen with Hamas?
There is an amnesty for Hamas members who agree to lay down their arms and coexist peacefully with Israel. Those leaving would be given safe passage to host countries.
Hamas will not be permitted any role, “directly or indirectly”, in future governance of the territory.
What is the plan’s political and military objective?
To transform Gaza into “a de-radicalised terror-free zone that does not pose a risk to its neighbours.” It would also deny Hamas direct or indirect role in Gaza’s affairs.
How will the 2.3 million Gazans fare under the plan?
The territory will be “redeveloped for the benefit the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.” Palestinians will not be forced to leave Gaza while those who chose to depart temporarily will be allowed to return.
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Who, exactly, will govern Gaza?
A temporary transitional “technocratic and apolitical Palestinian committee” which will be overseen by a “Board of Peace” headed by Donald Trump and would include former -UK prime minister Tony Blair and other world figures.
Where will finance for reconstructing Gaza come from?
While the Palestinian committee will organise funding for Gaza’s recovery, experts will formulate a “Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energise” the strip.
What about recognition for a Palestinian state?
While Binyamin Netanyahu has rejected a Palestian state, implementation of the plan could prepare “a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”
Does the plan address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza?
As to the immediate future, the plan provides for “full aid” to be sent to Gaza, parts of which are suffering from famine and regular deaths from starvation.
“Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party,” the plan says.
The restoration of aid will mean the reopening of the border crossing at the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which has been largely razed by Israel.
What is the response to the plan so far?
There is widespread support internationally for the US-led deal, but Hamas is still weighing it up and it has attracted a backlash from the Israeli far right.
Most Israelis have urged an end to the war and return of the hostages.
Arab, European, and Asian leaders who have demanded a halt to the war and pressed for emergence of a Palestinian state, have also welcomed the plan. - Additional reporting: Guardian
