US President Donald Trump on Monday unveiled a 20-point ceasefire proposal for ending the Gaza war, which was embraced quickly by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Israeli PM, who was at the White House with Trump, called it a "historic step" towards achieving "eternal peace" in the Middle East. While the proposal is being hailed as an important diplomatic initiative, it remains far from a final agreement. In fact, the plan is more of a framework for future negotiations than a comprehensive solution, and its multiple ambiguities could hinder its successful implementation.
The plan hinges on three key elements: the immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of Israeli hostages and the demilitarisation of Gaza. It specifically asks Hamas to release all 20 Israeli hostages and return the remains of over two dozen others within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance of the plan.
Israel is to free hundreds of Gazan prisoners, including many serving life sentences. If both parties agree on these basic conditions, full humanitarian aid would flow into Gaza without delay.
On de-radicalising Gaza and Israeli withdrawal
One of the most controversial elements of the proposal is the plan to transform Gaza into a "de-radicalised, terror-free zone”. That completely excludes Hamas from any role in the governance of the territory. The plan, however, leaves a door of reconciliation open for Hamas by offering its members an amnesty if they decide to lay down their arms and surrender.
The issue of Israeli withdrawal from Gaza is another sticking point. The plan assures that Israel will not occupy or annex the territory, but at the same time speaks about "milestones and time-frames related to demilitarisation”.
That means there is no clarity or concrete timelines about Israeli withdrawal from the territory. Moreover, Israel is allowed under the plan to maintain a "security perimeter" around Gaza until it is deemed free from terror threats. Yet, there are no clear guidelines about who will make that assessment.
As far as Gaza’s post-war governance is concerned, the plan proposes a "temporary transitional governance" led by a Palestinian committee of technocrats, which would be supervised by an international body—called the 'Board of Peace'—to be headed by Trump. Former British prime minister Tony Blair is mentioned as a potential member.
Again, there are not enough details about the composition of the Palestinian committee, who will select its members, and how it will interact with the Board of Peace.
The plan states that security in Gaza would be managed by a "temporary International Stabilisation Force". Yet, it is silent about which all countries are willing to contribute troops to the force, its mandate, or its rules of engagement.
The role of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza's governance is similarly ambiguous. Although the proposal says that the PA would eventually be in charge of Gaza, that role is conditional upon the completion of a reform programme, of which no details are offered.
On Palestinian statehood
The most contentious element of the proposal is perhaps its stand on Palestinian statehood. It says statehood is an "aspiration" of the Palestinians, which clearly falls short of a right.
Moreover, it ties any progress toward statehood to Gaza’s redevelopment and the successful implementation of the PA’s reforms.
While Netanyahu’s endorsement of the proposal is seen as a major diplomatic victory for Trump, that does not mean that the prime minister will be able to win over the support of his far-right allies, whose votes are essential for his political survival.
ALSO READ | Defiant Benjamin Netanyahu vows to finish Hamas in UNGA speech amid walkout by diplomats
His far-right coalition partners are staunchly opposed to any notion of Palestinian statehood and to the provision of amnesty for Hamas members. Most of them are clearly unhappy about the Trump plan and they are angry that the US president forced Netanyahu to apologise to the Qatari ruler over the Israeli airstrike on Doha, targeting Hamas leaders.
Hamas' possible response
Hamas, meanwhile, is unlikely to accept the plan in its current form. It considers disarmament a "red line", unless Israel withdraws completely from Gaza.
Hamas officials have already pointed out that the new plan does not sufficiently protect Palestinian interests and have warned that they would oppose any terms that align too closely with Israel’s vision for the future.
Looking ahead
The proposal has the broad support of the international community, with European and Arab nations—including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar and Egypt—appreciating Trump’s efforts.
The Palestinian Authority also endorsed the plan, calling it "sincere and determined" and announced its willingness to carry out internal reforms, including holding elections and forming a new security force.
Still, the success of the 20-point proposal hinges largely on Hamas’ response, as it remains the most important player in Gaza.
Trump and Netanyahu have already warned that if Hamas rejects the proposal, which they say is "extremely fair", Israel will have Washington’s full backing to continue its military operations.
Given the deeply entrenched positions on both sides, the path to peace remains uncertain, and the proposal may be the first step in what could be a long and tortuous diplomatic process.