In Washington on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his long-awaited proposal to end the war in Gaza, stating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “very close” to agreeing to the deal. Speaking alongside Netanyahu at the White House, Trump framed the initiative as part of a larger push for “eternal peace in the Middle East.”
Key Details of the 20-Point Proposal
The plan, which Hamas officials in Doha have reportedly received from Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries, focuses on immediate de-escalation, demilitarization, and international oversight.
Immediate Measures and Hostage Release
- Hostage Release: The proposal calls for the release of all remaining hostages immediately, and in no case more than 72 hours.
- Phased Israeli Withdrawal: Working with a new transitional authority in Gaza, all parties will agree on a timeline for Israeli forces to withdraw in phases.
Demilitarization and Security
- Dismantling Terror Infrastructure: The agreement mandates the dismantling of “terror infrastructure,” including tunnels and weapon production facilities.
- Arab/Muslim Role in Hamas: Arab and Muslim countries have committed to demilitarize Gaza quickly, decommission the military capabilities of Hamas and all other terror organizations, and train local police forces in the Gaza Strip. Trump emphasized that he has not dealt with Hamas, and these nations “need to be allowed a chance of fulfilling these commitments.”
- International Stabilization Force (ISF): The plan calls for the US, Arab states, and other international partners to create a temporary ISF that will immediately deploy to Gaza to train law enforcement, secure borders with Israel and Egypt, and prevent munitions from entering the enclave.
Governance and Oversight
- New Government: The World Bank will be charged with training and recruiting a new government made up of Palestinians and “highly qualified experts from around the world.”
- Hamas Exclusion: Trump explicitly stated that Hamas and other terror organizations will play no role in the governance of Gaza, at all.
- The ‘Board of Peace’: A new international oversight body, the ‘Board of Peace,’ will be created, led by Arab leaders, Israel, and Trump himself. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is one of the distinguished leaders who wants to be on the board.
Pakistan and Muslim Bloc’s Support
President Trump publicly thanked the leaders of Arab and Muslim nations, including Pakistan, for their support in developing the proposal.
- Pakistan’s Full Endorsement: Trump specifically thanked the “prime minister and the field marshal of Pakistan,” stating they were “with us right from the beginning” and that a statement issued by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirms they “back this 100 per cent.”
- PM Shehbaz’s Statement: In a post on X, PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the “20-point” plan and lauded “Trump’s leadership and [his] special envoy Steve Witkoff” for their efforts. The Prime Minister affirmed his belief that “durable peace between the Palestinian people and Israel would be essential in bringing political stability and economic growth to the region” and stressed that the “implementation of the two-state proposal is essential to ensure lasting peace.”
- Joint Statement: A joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Qatar, and Egypt welcomed Trump’s leadership and sincere efforts, affirming the Muslim bloc’s readiness to engage positively and constructively with all parties towards finalizing the agreement and ensuring its implementation.
Warning to Hamas and Palestinian Authority
While expressing optimism for a positive response, Trump issued a clear warning to both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA).
- Backing Netanyahu: “If Hamas rejects the deal, which is always possible… as you know Bibi (Netanyahu) you have my full backing to do what you have to do,” Trump warned.
- Challenge to PA: Trump “challenged the Palestinians to take charge of their destiny,” adding that if the Palestinian Authority does not complete his reforms, “they only have themselves to blame.”
- Palestinian Statehood: Trump acknowledged that Netanyahu remains opposed to a Palestinian state but maintained that the current proposal would be beneficial for Israel.
The meeting also included a conciliatory gesture, with Netanyahu expressing regret to Qatar’s leader during a three-way call with Trump for an Israeli attack in Doha that violated Qatari sovereignty, affirming it won’t happen again. Trump suggested the agreement could eventually lead to a sustainable, long-term peace and potentially expand the Abraham Accords to include Iran.
