By Manisha Sahu, America News World
September 30 , 2025
Washington, D.C. – In a high-profile announcement at the White House on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump released a sweeping 20-point peace proposal aimed at ending the Israel-Gaza war. Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump laid out a framework that envisions a redeveloped “New Gaza,” a demilitarized territory free of extremist influence, and overseen temporarily by an international body chaired by Trump himself.
The ambitious plan demands Hamas relinquish power, return hostages, and accept permanent disarmament. It also places the future of Gaza’s governance under an interim technocratic Palestinian committee backed by international experts and funding. While hailed by Trump as a “historic opportunity for peace,” the proposal hinges largely on Hamas’s acceptance—a prospect analysts caution remains uncertain.
Hostage Release at the Core
At the heart of the plan is the immediate release of all Israeli hostages, alive or deceased, within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance of the agreement. In exchange, Israel would free 250 prisoners serving life sentences and another 1,700 Gazans detained after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, including all women and children.
Trump’s proposal further stipulates that for every Israeli hostage’s remains returned, Israel would release the remains of 15 Palestinians. Hamas members who agree to decommission their weapons would be granted amnesty, while those choosing exile would be offered safe passage.
Humanitarian Relief and Reconstruction
The plan promises an immediate influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza once a ceasefire is declared. This includes the rehabilitation of essential infrastructure such as water, electricity, sewage, hospitals, and bakeries. International agencies, including the United Nations and Red Crescent, would be responsible for ensuring aid reaches civilians without interference from either side.
The Rafah crossing, Gaza’s critical gateway to Egypt, would reopen under previously established international monitoring mechanisms. Trump also pledged an economic revival plan, including the creation of a special economic zone offering preferential tariffs and trade opportunities.
“New Gaza will be an engine of opportunity,” Trump declared. “We will not only rebuild but create a modern, thriving economy that gives hope to future generations.”
Transitional Governance Under Oversight
One of the plan’s most striking features is the governance model. Gaza would be managed temporarily by an apolitical, technocratic Palestinian committee, supervised by an international “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump himself. The board would also include global leaders, such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and oversee redevelopment funding.
This transitional arrangement would remain in place until the Palestinian Authority (PA) completes a reform program and is deemed capable of securely governing Gaza.
Security Architecture and International Force
Under the proposal, Hamas and all militant factions would be barred from any role in governance. Gaza would undergo a comprehensive demilitarization process, supervised by independent monitors. All offensive infrastructure—including tunnels and weapons facilities—would be dismantled, with a buyback program incentivizing militants to surrender arms.
To stabilize the territory, Trump called for the deployment of a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF). This multinational security force, supported by the U.S., Arab partners, Jordan, and Egypt, would train Palestinian police units, secure border areas, and prevent weapons smuggling. Israel would gradually withdraw its forces as the ISF assumes control, though the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would maintain a security perimeter until Gaza is fully stabilized.
Pathway to Palestinian Statehood
Beyond immediate conflict resolution, Trump’s plan gestures toward a long-term political settlement. Once Gaza is redeveloped and the PA successfully reforms, the conditions may be set for a “credible pathway” to Palestinian self-determination and eventual statehood. The U.S. would facilitate direct dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to define this political horizon.
An interfaith dialogue initiative is also proposed, designed to change “mindsets and narratives” by promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Israelis and Palestinians.
Challenges and Reactions
The announcement comes amid staggering casualties from the nearly two-year-long conflict. The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Tel Aviv killed more than 1,200 people and saw around 250 hostages taken. Israel’s retaliatory strikes, according to Gaza’s health ministry, have left more than 66,000 dead.
Trump described the toll as “tragic and unacceptable” while insisting his plan offers the only viable exit. “Both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered far too long. This plan ensures security for Israel, dignity for Palestinians, and the promise of peace for the region.”
However, observers remain skeptical about Hamas’s willingness to surrender governance and weapons. Critics also point to the unusual structure placing Trump at the helm of the proposed “Board of Peace,” which some argue risks politicizing the process.
Still, Netanyahu welcomed the initiative as a “serious path forward,” emphasizing that Israel’s primary condition—the return of hostages—was firmly embedded in the framework. Palestinian responses were more muted, with officials in Ramallah stating they would review the plan’s details.
A Gamble for History
Trump’s 20-point plan represents his boldest foreign policy move since returning to office. By positioning himself not only as a broker but also as a central overseer of Gaza’s transition, he has raised both expectations and controversy.
Whether the plan succeeds will depend largely on Hamas’s response and the ability of regional and international actors to enforce compliance. For now, Trump has thrust the prospect of a “New Gaza” into the global spotlight, casting himself as the leader determined to end one of the Middle East’s deadliest conflicts.