TRUMP’S GAZA PEACE PLAN

1. TRUMP’S GAZA PEACE PLAN

Context

India’s Prime Minister endorsed Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza Peace Proposal, viewing it as a route to lasting West Asian stability. Focused on ceasefire, hostage release, governance reforms, and Gaza’s reconstruction, the plan enjoys Arab and Western backing as a diplomatic framework.

About the Gaza Peace Plan

• A diplomatic initiative aimed at ending, the 2023–25 Israel–Hamas war.
   
• Envisions the transformation of Gaza into a “New Gaza” special economic zone, overseen by an international monitoring body until Palestinian governance reforms are completed.
   
• Designed to combine ceasefire, disarmament, and reconstruction, with conditional steps toward Palestinian statehood.
   

Key Features of the Plan

• Immediate Ceasefire: Israel to suspend military operations once Hamas consents; battle lines will remain frozen to maintain stability.
   
• Hostage–Prisoner Swap: Hamas to release all hostages (living and deceased) within 72 hours; Israel to release more than 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
   
• No Forced Displacement: Palestinians will not be expelled from Gaza, protecting demographic balance and human rights.
   
• Exclusion of Hamas: Hamas will not have any role in future governance. Its members can disarm in exchange for amnesty or safe passage abroad.
   
• Board of Peace: An international oversight body led by Donald Trump and Tony Blair to manage Gaza’s governance and reconstruction.
   
• International Stabilisation Force: A multinational force, including Arab participation, will maintain peace and train Palestinian security forces.
   
• Economic Zone: Gaza to be rebuilt as a special economic hub, with preferential trade access and aid-driven development.
   
• Conditional Statehood: A political pathway to Palestinian statehood will open once the Palestinian Authority (PA) undertakes governance reforms and ensures security guarantees.
   

Significance of the Plan

• Ceasefire Mechanism: Immediate reduction in civilian deaths and destruction.
   
• Hostage Resolution: Addresses a core humanitarian issue, building trust.
   
• Regional and Global Support: Backing by Arab states, EU, and India lends multilateral legitimacy.
   
• Reconstruction Priority: Focuses on rebuilding homes, infrastructure, and the economy.
   
• International Oversight: Reduces mistrust through global monitoring of aid and governance.
   

Challenges

• Hamas’ Acceptance: Radical elements may reject disarmament or exclusion from governance.
   
• Israeli Scepticism: Israel worries about security risks and doubts the Palestinian Authority’s ability to govern.
   
• Implementation Hurdles: Complexities in prisoner swaps, aid distribution, and ceasefire compliance.
   
• Political Divisions: Tensions between Hamas and the PA could block smooth governance.
   
• Unclear Statehood Timeline: Absence of a fixed roadmap for Palestinian sovereignty risks prolonged dissatisfaction.
   

Way Forward

• Consensus-Building: Greater involvement of the U.S., UN, and Arab nations to ensure compliance.
   
• Stronger Oversight: Transparent monitoring of aid delivery and ceasefire by UN agencies and Arab partners.
   
• Palestinian Reforms: Strengthening the PA, empowering civil institutions, and ensuring inclusive governance.
   
• Two-State Linkage: Gaza’s reconstruction must be tied to the larger goal of a viable two-state solution for enduring peace.

Conclusion

The Gaza Peace Plan offers a unique diplomatic opportunity in West Asia but is precarious without Hamas’ consent and Israel’s security guarantees. Sustainable peace requires an inclusive framework balancing Palestinian statehood, Israeli security, humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and political reform.