Explainer: Donald Trump's 20-point plan to and the Gaza war

Reuters

US President Donald Trump, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, unveiled a 20-point peace plan on September 29, 2025, aiming to end the Gaza conflict. The proposal addresses key geopolitical, humanitarian, and security issues, offering a pathway to peace.

Key Objectives of Trump's 20-Point Plan

The Trump administration’s 20-point plan seeks to resolve the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, address the humanitarian crisis, and establish a framework for long-term peace and stability. Below are the most important elements of the plan:

1. Pathway to Palestinian Statehood

The plan outlines a future roadmap for Palestinian statehood, which has been a point of contention in the region. This proposal is notably contentious, as Israel has historically opposed Palestinian statehood. However, Trump’s plan envisions a gradual and negotiated path toward Palestinian sovereignty under the right conditions.

2. Hostage and Prisoner Exchange

A central element of the proposal is the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza, as well as the return of deceased Israeli citizens. The plan stipulates that for every Israeli hostage’s remains returned, Israel will release 15 deceased Gazans. In exchange, Israel will also release 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained after the October 7, 2023, attacks.

3. Demilitarization of Gaza

A key demand is the complete removal of Hamas from power and the disarmament of its military capabilities. The plan also calls for the destruction of Gaza’s military infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities. An internationally supervised demilitarization process will be implemented to ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel or its neighbors.

4. Transitional Governance and Reform

The plan proposes the creation of a transitional government in Gaza, led by a technocratic committee of Palestinians and international experts. This committee will be responsible for the day-to-day governance of Gaza, focusing on rebuilding the region’s infrastructure and providing essential services. The plan envisions a future where the Palestinian Authority (PA) can assume control after completing necessary reforms.

5. Humanitarian Aid and Infrastructure Reconstruction

In the short term, the plan promises to send immediate aid to Gaza, including the rebuilding of critical infrastructure such as water, electricity, sewage, and hospitals. The delivery of aid will proceed without interference from either Israel or Hamas, with the United Nations and other international bodies ensuring its unimpeded access.

6. Economic Development and Investment

Trump’s plan proposes an economic revitalization of Gaza through an economic development plan that will involve international experts and private sector investment. A special economic zone will be created to attract investment, with preferential tariff and access rates negotiated with participating countries. This economic plan aims to provide jobs, infrastructure, and opportunities for a prosperous Gaza.

7. Security Guarantees and International Stabilization Force (ISF)

The plan includes the establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to ensure security in Gaza. This force will work with Palestinian police forces to maintain peace and prevent terrorism. The ISF will also work alongside Egypt and Israel to secure Gaza’s borders and prevent the flow of munitions into the area. The presence of the ISF will be crucial in creating long-term stability.

8. Repatriation and Freedom of Movement

The plan ensures that no one in Gaza will be forced to leave. However, individuals who wish to leave will have the freedom to do so and can return at any time. This provision aims to allow the people of Gaza the opportunity to rebuild their lives without fear of displacement.

9. No Occupation or Annexation by Israel

Under the terms of the plan, Israel will not annex Gaza, nor will it occupy the region. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will progressively withdraw from Gaza once the ISF establishes control. The withdrawal will be phased, ensuring that Gaza remains secure and does not pose a threat to Israel or its neighbors.

10. Long-Term Path to Palestinian Statehood

The ultimate goal of the plan is to create conditions for Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The plan stresses that once Gaza is stabilized, the Palestinian Authority will be evaluated for its ability to take control. This will pave the way for the establishment of a Palestinian state, a long-standing aspiration of the Palestinian people.

How the Plan Came About

The 20-point plan was presented following a meeting at the United Nations on September 23, 2025, where Trump discussed the proposal with leaders from Arab and Muslim countries. These nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, expressed their support for Trump's leadership in seeking to end the war. The plan also gained support from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, which has been instrumental in drafting the proposal.

Reactions from Israel, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority

Israel’s Support: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed strong support for the plan, calling it a step toward achieving Israel’s war aims, including the return of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would continue its operations if Hamas did not agree to the plan.

Hamas’ Response: While Hamas has not officially accepted the proposal, reports suggest that Hamas is reviewing the plan "in good faith." The group’s response remains pivotal in determining the success of the plan.

Palestinian Authority’s View: The Palestinian Authority welcomed Trump’s efforts, expressing confidence in his ability to find a path toward peace. This marks a significant shift, as the PA has been wary of US-led peace initiatives in the past.

Challenges and Obstacles

Despite its ambitious goals, Trump’s 20-point plan faces several significant challenges:

Hamas’ Resistance: The success of the plan hinges on Hamas agreeing to disarm and abandon its militant activities. Given the group's long-standing control over Gaza, convincing Hamas to accept the proposal could prove difficult.

International Skepticism: While the plan has garnered support from some international leaders, others remain skeptical. The plan's implementation will require substantial diplomatic effort, especially in the face of differing opinions about Palestinian statehood and the role of Israel in the process.

Rebuilding Gaza: The economic revitalization of Gaza is a long-term project that requires sustained international investment and coordination. The plan’s success will depend on the ability to attract the necessary resources and ensure that the aid reaches those who need it most.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s 20-point plan offers a comprehensive framework for ending the Gaza war, addressing security, humanitarian, and political issues. While the plan sets out an ambitious vision for peace and reconstruction, its success depends on the willingness of all parties, especially Hamas, to engage in the process and implement the proposed reforms. The road ahead will be challenging, but the plan offers a glimmer of hope for a region long beset by violence and instability.

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