WASHINGTON-Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have unveiled what they describe as a comprehensive roadmap to end the Gaza war, placing the onus squarely on Hamas to determine whether the conflict will finally move towards resolution or descend into further escalation. The proposal, structured around a 20-point framework, promises an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, balanced by international oversight of Gaza under a transitional authority. Netanyahu has endorsed the plan, warning that rejection by Hamas would invite Israel to resume its military campaign with full force. Trump, meanwhile, has touted the deal as the most viable path to peace, positioning himself at the centre of a diplomatic effort he says has regional backing.
Yet, Hamas’s reluctance underscores the fragility of the arrangement. The stipulation that Hamas disarm and surrender military control of Gaza represents an existential threat to the group’s power structure, making acceptance politically perilous. Further doubts emerge over whether the international oversight body proposed — led by Trump and joined by figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair — can deliver genuine governance without alienating Palestinians who see the plan as heavily tilted towards Israeli and American interests. Critics argue that the absence of guarantees on long-term Palestinian statehood and the limited role accorded to existing Palestinian leadership cast doubt on the plan’s legitimacy.
The plan put forward by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu centres on an immediate ceasefire designed to halt the relentless cycle of airstrikes and ground offensives in Gaza. Within hours of acceptance, both sides would be required to suspend hostilities, allowing for the opening of humanitarian corridors and the safe movement of aid into the war-torn enclave.
A major pillar of the agreement is the release of hostages. Hamas would be obligated to free Israeli and foreign captives — both alive and deceased — within 72 hours of the deal’s commencement. In return, Israel has signalled a willingness to release Palestinian prisoners, a move aimed at balancing concessions and building trust between the warring parties.
Perhaps the most contentious element is the demand that Hamas disarm and relinquish its military control of Gaza. Under the plan, the group would be stripped of its ability to govern through armed force, paving the way for a transitional period of international oversight. This phase would be led by a body informally described as a “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump with the involvement of figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The transitional authority is intended to restore order and prepare Gaza for long-term governance by a reformed Palestinian Authority. This would mark a significant shift away from Hamas’s dominance, with the stated aim of fostering a more moderate political structure capable of engaging with both Israel and the international community.
The regional response has been cautious, with several Arab and Muslim-majority states acknowledging the proposal but avoiding outright endorsement, while international observers warn that without meaningful Palestinian buy-in, the deal risks collapsing under its own weight. For now, Hamas is reviewing the offer, weighing its survival against the mounting humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the pressure of international diplomacy. The coming days will decide whether this initiative marks a breakthrough in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts or simply another fleeting pause before the violence resumes.
For more global updates and exclusive insights, visit us daily at www.whitehorsedaily.com
Leave a comment