US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a new peace initiative on 29 September to end the Gaza conflict. Known as Trump’s 20-point plan, the proposal came after consultations with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. Trump reportedly pushed Israel to halt its campaign after an Israeli strike on Doha violated Qatar’s sovereignty in an attempt to target Hamas negotiators.
Trump, now in his second term, faced less political resistance domestically and applied direct pressure on Israel, believing the country had achieved its primary military goals in Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza. On 8 October, Trump confirmed that Israel and Hamas had signed the first phase of the agreement, marking the beginning of an ambitious roadmap toward long-term stability.
Phase One: Ceasefire and Humanitarian Efforts Begin
The first phase orders an immediate end to hostilities, with all military actions paused and frontlines frozen. Both sides must release hostages and prisoners within 72 hours. Israel must release 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 others detained since the war began, while Hamas must return all Israeli captives, alive or deceased.
This stage also allows humanitarian organizations to enter Gaza to deliver emergency relief. Medical teams, engineers, and aid workers will restore basic infrastructure and reopen hospitals, water systems, and power grids. Trump’s administration claims this step aims to create immediate stability and trust between the two sides.
Palestinian authorities will coordinate with international agencies to deliver aid efficiently and prevent diversion. The United Nations and Red Crescent will manage the process to guarantee transparency and neutrality during the initial recovery period.
Phase Two: Disarmament and Security Restructuring
Negotiations for Phase Two will start after the hostage exchange concludes. The plan mandates the destruction of Hamas’s offensive arsenal, including rocket launchers, tunnels, and command centers. Engineers from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar will oversee this process under UN supervision.
Trump’s document describes Gaza as a future “terror-free zone” and offers amnesty to Hamas members who renounce violence and accept exile or integration. A temporary multinational stabilization force—composed of US, Arab, and European troops—will secure the region and train a restructured Palestinian police unit.
The force’s mandate includes patrolling Gaza’s borders, monitoring reconstruction zones, and preventing arms smuggling. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed the US will lead coordination from an operations center in Tel Aviv.
Officials said this phase aims to prevent future wars and build a security framework that protects civilians and neighboring nations alike.
Phase Three: Reconstruction and Political Transition
The third stage envisions a technocratic Palestinian administration managing Gaza’s daily governance. This interim body, composed of Palestinian experts and international advisors, will handle utilities, healthcare, and education under the oversight of an international authority called the Board of Peace. Trump will chair the board, joined by global representatives including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
International aid agencies will rebuild homes, roads, and public infrastructure while restoring essential services. The plan emphasizes that all aid must reach civilians directly and forbids diversion to political factions.
Economic recovery will include incentives for Palestinians to remain in Gaza and rebuild their lives. Business investment zones and employment programs will support families returning from displacement.
The plan acknowledges the Palestinian aspiration for statehood but stops short of US recognition. It links recognition to the Palestinian Authority’s institutional reforms and successful reconstruction outcomes.
Trump’s framework also proposes renewed political dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to define borders and governance principles for peaceful coexistence. Netanyahu, however, ruled out the creation of a Palestinian state under the plan, saying Israel would retain full security control.
Despite uncertainty, the deal represents the first structured roadmap toward de-escalation in Gaza in years. Whether it endures depends on both sides’ willingness to implement each phase with discipline, transparency, and international cooperation.
