President Donald J. Trump has outlined a 20-point strategy aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza and reducing tensions between Israel and Iran, according to a recent joint-press conference. The plan emphasizes immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian aid, and long-term governance reforms for the region.
Key elements of the proposal include:
1. Establishing Gaza as a “deradicalized terror-free zone” free from threats to neighboring states.
2. Redeveloping Gaza to benefit its residents, who have endured prolonged suffering.
3. Ceasing all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, if both sides agree to the plan. Israeli forces would withdraw to predetermined lines to facilitate hostage releases.
4. Returning all hostages—alive or deceased—to their families within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance of the agreement.
5. Releasing 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023, including women and children. For every Israeli hostage’s remains returned, 15 deceased Gazan bodies would be exchanged.
6. Granting amnesty to Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and weapon decommissioning. Those wishing to leave Gaza would receive safe passage to other countries.
7. Immediate humanitarian aid delivery, including infrastructure rehabilitation, hospital support, and rubble removal.
8. Ensuring unimpeded aid distribution through the United Nations, Red Crescent, and international institutions, with Rafah crossing operations governed by prior agreements.
9. Temporary governance of Gaza by a technocratic Palestinian committee under oversight of an “International Board of Peace” led by Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
10. Creating a Trump-backed economic development plan to rebuild Gaza using expertise from Middle Eastern cities.
11. Establishing a special economic zone with preferential trade terms.
12. Allowing voluntary departure or return for Gaza residents, with incentives to stay and rebuild the region.
13. Banning Hamas and other factions from governing Gaza, destroying military infrastructure, and demilitarizing the area under international supervision.
14. Regional guarantees ensuring Gaza’s non-threatening status to neighbors.
15. Deploying an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to train Palestinian police and secure borders with Israel and Egypt.
16. Preventing Israeli occupation or annexation of Gaza, with IDF withdrawal tied to demilitarization milestones.
17. Continuing aid operations in areas under ISF control if Hamas delays or rejects the plan.
18. Launching an interfaith dialogue to foster tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
19. Creating conditions for Palestinian self-determination and statehood through reforms and development.
20. Facilitating U.S.-led talks between Israel and Palestinians for a political framework of coexistence.
The proposal emphasizes immediate action, international collaboration, and structural reforms to address the crisis in Gaza.
