Hamas announced on Friday its willingness to engage in immediate discussions concerning the release of Israeli captives under its custody and putting an end to the nearly two-year conflict in Gaza, following a peace initiative put forth by US President Donald Trump.
The 20-point proposal was unveiled by President Trump on Monday at the White House, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautiously supported the plan.
Outlined by the White House, the plan includes various key points:
1. Transforming Gaza into a region free of radicalism and terrorism, ensuring no threat to neighboring territories.
2. Initiating the redevelopment of Gaza for the well-being of its populace who have endured significant hardship.
3. Ceasing hostilities promptly upon mutual agreement. Israeli troops would pull back to an agreed demarcation line to facilitate hostage release. Military activities, including airstrikes and artillery shelling, would be halted, with frontlines frozen until prerequisites for a complete phased withdrawal are met.
4. Within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance of the proposal, all captives, living or deceased, will be repatriated.
5. Upon the release of all captives, Israel will free 250 inmates serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained post-October 7, 2023, encompassing all women and children apprehended in that context. For each deceased Israeli captive returned, Israel will reciprocate by releasing the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
6. Following the captives’ release, members of Hamas committing to peaceful co-existence and disarming will receive amnesty. Those desiring to exit Gaza will be granted safe passage to designated nations.
7. Immediate delivery of comprehensive aid to Gaza upon acceptance of the agreement, aligning with the humanitarian aid stipulations outlined in the January 19, 2025 agreement. This aid package includes infrastructure rehabilitation, hospital and bakery refurbishment, and access to essential equipment for debris removal and road clearance.
8. Unimpeded distribution of aid in Gaza through neutral channels such as the United Nations, the Red Crescent, and other impartial international bodies. Operations at the Rafah crossing will adhere to the mechanisms established in the January 19, 2025 agreement.
9. Temporary governance of Gaza by a technocratic Palestinian committee, devoid of political affiliations, responsible for managing public services and municipalities. Oversight by an international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” chaired by President Donald J. Trump, will supervise the funding and redevelopment of Gaza until the Palestinian Authority implements its reform program and reassumes control.
10. Formulating an economic revitalization plan for Gaza under the guidance of experts experienced in fostering modern urban centers in the Middle East, with a focus on attracting investments for job creation and prosperity.
11. Establishing a designated economic zone with negotiated tariff benefits and access rates for participating nations.
12. Advocating for voluntary departures from Gaza while encouraging residents to remain and contribute to its enhancement.
13. Disengagement of Hamas and other factions from Gaza’s governance, with a commitment to dismantling military infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon facilities. Demilitarization will be overseen by independent monitors, ensuring weapons are decommissioned and a reintegration program is supported through international funding.
14. Regional assurances to uphold compliance with obligations, ensuring Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors.
15. Deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, working alongside trained Palestinian police forces and collaborating with Jordan and Egypt to enhance border security and facilitate reconstruction efforts.
16. No Israeli occupation or annexation of Gaza, with the IDF gradually withdrawing as stability is established and demilitarization milestones are met.
17. Implementation of scaled-up aid operations in areas handed over by the IDF to the ISF should Hamas delay or reject the proposal.
18. Launching an interfaith dialogue initiative promoting tolerance and peaceful co-existence to alter perceptions and foster a culture of peace between Palestinians and Israelis.
19. Progress in Gaza redevelopment and PA reform efforts may pave the way for Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
20. Facilitating a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to establish a framework for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.
The comprehensive peace plan aims to address the longstanding conflict in Gaza and foster stability and development in the region.