Washington, USA- 30 September, 2025

Context, Goals, and Challenges of Trump’s Gaza Proposal

The Gaza war between Israel and Hamas has produced immense suffering, widespread destruction, and a humanitarian crisis. In September 2025, Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace plan (sometimes referred to as a 20-point “comprehensive plan”) intended to provide a roadmap to end the conflict and manage Gaza’s post-war transition.  

The plan is ambitious and controversial. Its framers describe it as more than a ceasefire; it is a design for remaking Gaza’s security, governance, infrastructure, and international relationships. Key aims include ending hostilities immediately (if the parties accept), returning hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, establishing transitional governance, reconstructing Gaza under international oversight, and eventually opening a horizon toward Palestinian self-determination.  

Yet the plan raises many difficult questions:

   •   Will Hamas accept disarmament and exclusion from governance?

   •   How can security and verification be enforced?

   •   What is the role of Israel during and after the transition?

   •   How to manage funding, corruption, and political legitimacy?

   •   Is the path to statehood genuine or conditional?

Supporters view the plan as bold and visionary, leveraging Trump’s personal role (he would head a “Board of Peace”) to bring external guarantee and direction.   Critics argue the plan shifts sovereignty to external actors, may not be acceptable to Palestinians, and could entrench new dependencies or inequalities. Implementation would require massive international coordination, goodwill from all sides, and durable enforcement mechanisms.

If implemented flawlessly, the plan could halt the war, save lives, rebuild a devastated area, and create new institutions. But if one or more parties back out, or enforcement is weak, the risk is relapse into conflict or a frozen status quo. In any case, the plan represents a major attempt to convert a military stalemate into a political framework.

Below is a summary of the 20 main points as laid out in the published document and media reconstructions.

The 20 Main Points of Trump’s Gaza Peace Proposal

Here are the principal provisions:

1. Deradicalized, terror-free Gaza

Gaza should become a zone free of terrorism, one that does not threaten its neighbors.  

2. Redevelopment for Gaza’s people

The plan explicitly aims to rebuild Gaza to benefit its population, after years of devastation.  

3. Immediate end to war if both sides accept

If Israel and Hamas agree, hostilities will cease immediately.  

4. Freeze military operations & staged Israeli withdrawal

Israeli forces will withdraw to an agreed line during the transition. All bombardment and attacks will pause while conditions are assessed.  

5. Return of all hostages (alive and deceased)

Within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance, all captives should be returned, alive or dead.  

6. Release of Palestinian prisoners

After hostages are returned, Israel would release 250 prisoners serving life sentences, plus 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023 (including all women and children detained in that context).  

7. Amnesty & safe passage for Hamas members who disarm

Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and disarm will receive amnesty; those who wish to leave the Strip will be offered safe passage abroad.  

8. Immediate humanitarian aid & infrastructure rehabilitation

Once agreement is accepted, full aid will flow into Gaza to rebuild infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage, hospitals, bakeries), remove rubble, open roads, etc.  

9. Neutral distribution of aid — no interference by parties

Aid must be distributed without interference from either Israel or Hamas, using UN, Red Crescent, and independent international bodies. Opening of Rafah crossing in both directions under agreed mechanism.  

10. Transitional technocratic governance in Gaza

Gaza would be governed temporarily by a committee of professionals (both Palestinians and international experts), under oversight of a new international body called the Board of Peace, chaired by Trump and possibly others (e.g. Tony Blair).  

11. Economic redevelopment plan & expert panel

A Trump-led economic development plan would be formed using panels of experts (from successful Middle Eastern development projects) to stimulate investment, jobs, and economic growth.  

12. Creation of a special economic zone

A special economic zone with negotiated tariff and access rates will be established to attract investment and trade.  

13. No forced displacement / freedom to leave & return

No one will be forced to leave Gaza. Those who wish to leave may do so and later return. The plan encourages people to stay and rebuild.  

14. Hamas excluded from governance; destruction of military infrastructure

Hamas and other militant factions are barred from any role in Gaza’s governance, whether direct or indirect. Offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons facilities, must be destroyed and never rebuilt.  

15. Regional and international security guarantees

Guarantees from regional actors will ensure compliance, and that Gaza poses no threat.  

16. International Stabilization Force (ISF)

A temporary international force will deploy in Gaza. It will train and support a vetted Palestinian police force. It will coordinate with Israel and Egypt on border security and prevent munitions inflow.  

17. Israel will not annex or permanently occupy Gaza

Over time, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will hand over territory to the ISF and transitional authority, withdrawing completely except for a possible security perimeter until Gaza is deemed secure.  

18. Implementation even if Hamas rejects

If Hamas delays or rejects the proposal, the plan states that implementation of these steps (aid, governance, security) will proceed gradually in “terror‐free” areas handed over by Israel.  

19. Interfaith dialogue & deradicalization process

A program of interfaith dialogue is to be launched to shift mindsets, promote tolerance, change narratives in Gaza and Israel, and support de-radicalization.  

20. Pathway to Palestinian self-determination / political horizon

If Gaza’s redevelopment succeeds and Palestinian Authority reforms proceed, there may be a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood. The U.S. will initiate dialogue between Israel and Palestinians for a political horizon of peaceful coexistence.