Trumps 20 Point Proposal Future of Gazas Fragile Governance

World

Updated on Sep - 30 - 2025, 10:34 AM

The announcement of Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan has injected fresh but controversial momentum into efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict. The proposal promises an immediate cessation of hostilities if Hamas agrees to disarm, with all Israeli hostages alive or deceased to be returned within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance. In exchange, Israel would free 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 detainees held since October 7, 2023. 

A key and contentious element of the plan is the role of Hamas: the militant group would be excluded from any future political role, with its military infrastructure dismantled. Those former fighters who pledge peaceful coexistence may receive amnesty; those who refuse must leave Gaza. Meanwhile, governance would shift temporarily to Palestinian technocrats under supervision, while security would be handled by a new international force. 

The administration structure would be overseen by a new “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump and former British PM Tony Blair, with an eye to eventual transition to the Palestinian Authority (PA). While the plan allows for the PA to retake control only after reforms and reconstruction, Netanyahu and his government have historically resisted Palestinian statehood, making alignment difficult.

Under the peace plan, Israeli troops would withdraw in phases, retaining a security perimeter until stability is assured. Humanitarian aid and reconstruction are central, to be delivered through neutral international agencies, while Gaza is converted into a “deradicalized, terror-free zone.” The plan also envisages a special economic zone and incentives to encourage residents to rebuild rather than depart.

Yet many questions remain unanswered. Will Hamas relinquish arms? Can Israel agree to staged withdrawal while guaranteeing security? And how willing is Netanyahu to accept a framework that hints at a path to Palestinian self-determination? The plan sets a bold vision, but its success depends entirely on whether all parties are ready to bend toward compromise a high bar in a conflict long defined by mutual mistrust and broken promises.