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The UN Security Council approved US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza on November 17. The plan aims to stop the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict that has killed over 66,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023. It calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and prisoners, and a long-term peace agreement under international supervision.
| Table of Content |
| What are the key elements of Trump’s 20-Point Plan? What have been the key responses to the framework? What are the Challenges to the Framework? |
What are the key elements of Trump’s 20-Point Plan?
- Immediate Ceasefire: Both parties must agree to halt all hostilities, including bombing, rocket fire, and cross-border attacks.
- Return of Hostages: Hamas would release all living and deceased Israeli hostages held in Gaza upon the ceasefire’s implementation.
- Prisoner Exchange: Israel would release Palestinian prisoners, including those from Gaza, in a comprehensive exchange with the hostages released by Hamas.
- Withdrawal from Gaza: Israel to progressively withdraw its military to an agreed line after the ceasefire, monitored by international oversight.
- Demilitarization of Gaza: Gradual disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, turning Gaza into a “terror-free” zone, as a precondition for broader peace.
- International Stabilization Force (ISF): Deployment of a UN-mandated, multinational security force (involving the US, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, etc.) to stabilize Gaza, support local police, and monitor compliance.
- Transitional Governance: Transfer governance of Gaza to an interim Palestinian technocratic committee, under the supervision of a “Board of Peace” led by Trump and supported by figures like Tony Blair.
- No Forced Displacement: Palestinians would not be forcibly expelled or relocated from Gaza. Israel would pledge not to occupy or annex the enclave.
- Humanitarian Access: Unrestricted and large-scale humanitarian aid for Gaza, including medical supplies, food, water, and international reconstruction funds.
- Reconstruction: Commitment from multiple wealthy countries for the redevelopment of Gaza’s infrastructure, homes, schools, and hospitals.
- Pathway to Statehood: Gaza would be governed in a way that could eventually lead to Palestinian self-determination and recognition of statehood, subject to deradicalization and disarmament.
- Reform of Palestinian Authority (PA): Simultaneous reforms in the PA to prepare for responsible, nonviolent governance, creating conditions for eventual unity with Gaza.
- Monitoring and Compliance: International observers to monitor and verify compliance with ceasefire, withdrawal, and disarmament commitments.
- Security Guarantees for Israel: The US and Arab partners to offer guarantees for Israel’s security, deterring future attacks from Gaza.
- Regional Diplomatic Normalization: The plan encourages further normalization of ties between Israel and Arab/Muslim countries to cement lasting regional peace.
- Timeline and Deadlines: Specific deadlines for each phase, with Trump explicitly warning Hamas to accept or face harsh military consequences (“complete obliteration” if rejected).
- Accountability for Violations: Clear consequences for non-compliance, including renewed sanctions, military action, and international condemnation.
- No Political Control for Hamas: Hamas must forgo political control—only independent, apolitical technocrats can govern Gaza during the transition.
- Inclusive Mediation: Ongoing mediation by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, with input from international organizations like the UN and EU.
- Long-Term “Everlasting Peace”: The plan envisions a durable, region-wide peace sustained by economic support, political normalization, and a demilitarized Gaza.
Source- Financial Times
What have been the key responses to the framework?
| Israel | Status: Accepted. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly stated that he fully supported the framework, claiming it aligns with Israel’s stated war aims, particularly the dismantling and demilitarization of Hamas. |
| Hamas | Status: Partially Accepted / Core Demands Rejected. Hamas agreed to and carried out the requirements for the hostage and prisoner exchange that defined Phase 1. However, the group has been clear that it refuses the plan’s central Phase 2 demands to disarm, decommission its weapons, and relinquish control of Gaza. This rejection of demilitarization is the biggest roadblock to achieving the plan’s long-term goals. |
| Regional Arab States | Status: Widespread Initial Support. The plan garnered significant support from several critical Arab and Muslim-majority nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, and Turkey. Their support was driven by:
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| International Community | Status: Broad Support for Framework. Leaders from countries like France, India, and Italy welcomed the framework as a much-needed step toward securing the release of hostages and preventing further bloodshed, praising the ambitious vision for post-conflict governance and reconstruction. |
| India |
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What are the Challenges to the Framework?
- Hamas’ Reluctance to Fully Disarm and Relinquish Political Control: Hamas remains hesitant to fully disarm or cede political power in Gaza to an interim technocratic government, fearing loss of influence and ideological defeat.
- Resistance to demilitarization threatens the framework’s core premise of a “terror-free” Gaza.
- Trust Deficit Between Parties: Deep mistrust between Israel and Hamas, built over decades of conflict and failed peace efforts, limits willingness for compromise and compliance. Allegations of violations or bad faith could derail ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreements.
- Implementation of International Stabilization Force (ISF): Deploying a multinational force with adequate mandate, resources, and cooperation from all regional powers (Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, US) is politically and logistically complex. Ensuring neutrality, effectiveness, and long-term commitment from troop-contributing countries is a major hurdle.
- Regional and International Political Dynamics: Divergent interests of Arab states, Iran’s influence on proxy groups, US political transitions, and Russia-China stances complicate consensus . Normalization efforts by some Arab states with Israel have not allayed tensions, and pockets of opposition persist.
- Humanitarian and Infrastructure Challenges: Rebuilding Gaza’s war-torn infrastructure requires massive funding, coordination, and time, with risks of corruption or diversion of resources.
- Delivering continuous humanitarian aid under volatile security conditions presents logistical and political challenges.
- Security Guarantees and Enforcement: Ensuring lasting security guarantees for Israel while addressing Palestinian rights and aspirations is a delicate task.
Conclusion
The 20-point framework faces serious challenges including Hamas’s resistance to disarmament, entrenched mistrust, difficulties in deploying and maintaining an international stabilization force. Overcoming these requires sustained diplomatic effort, broad-based political will, and robust enforcement mechanisms.
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