Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed a new U.S.-backed peace initiative for Gaza, raising the critical question of whether Hamas will accept the terms
U.S. Peace Plan for Gaza: Netanyahu Endorses, Hamas Faces Crucial Choice
The proposal, announced after talks between Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, outlines a framework aimed at ending hostilities and setting the stage for Gaza’s reconstruction.
A Difficult Tradeoff for Hamas
The plan presents Hamas with a stark choice: surrender its weapons in exchange for humanitarian relief, reconstruction efforts, and a fragile hope of future Palestinian statehood. Rejecting the deal could risk giving Israel broader freedom to continue its devastating military operations in Gaza, where over two million Palestinians are already facing dire humanitarian conditions.
Key Provisions of the Proposal
The 20-point plan released by the White House includes:
Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange
- All fighting would stop immediately.
- Hamas must release all 48 hostages it still holds within 72 hours, including the remains of those deceased.
- In return, Israel would release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees from Gaza, including women and children.
- For each hostage’s body returned, Israel would transfer the remains of 15 Palestinians.
Israeli Troop Withdrawal
- Israeli forces would begin pulling out once Hamas disarms and an international security force takes charge in Gaza.
- However, Israel would retain a “security perimeter presence,” which could mean a buffer zone inside Gaza—an element likely to face resistance from Hamas.
The Future of Hamas and Gaza’s Governance
- Hamas would be excluded from governing Gaza, and its military infrastructure, including tunnels, would be dismantled.
- Members willing to renounce violence could receive amnesty, while others would be permitted to leave the territory.
- A multinational security force would oversee disarmament, train Palestinian police, and maintain order. Egypt has already begun preparing thousands of officers for deployment.
Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction
- Humanitarian aid would be coordinated by neutral international bodies such as the United Nations and the Red Crescent.
- Palestinians would not be expelled from Gaza, and the plan commits to rebuilding the war-ravaged territory for its residents.
- Day-to-day administration would be handled by Palestinian technocrats, but ultimate oversight would rest with a “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body would also control reconstruction funds, giving it significant influence over Gaza’s future.
The Palestinian Authority Question
One controversial clause suggests that the Palestinian Authority would eventually assume governance in Gaza. While the U.S. envisions this as a long-term solution, Netanyahu and his right-wing allies strongly oppose Palestinian statehood, betting that this part of the plan may never materialize.
Uncertain Path Ahead
While the proposal offers a framework to end the bloodshed and bring much-needed relief to Gaza’s civilians, it leaves Hamas with little room for political survival. The movement now faces the dilemma of disarming under international supervision or risking a harsher Israeli campaign with U.S. backing.
The coming days will determine whether this initiative marks a turning point for Gaza or becomes another unrealized effort in the long struggle for peace in the region.
