Hamas examines Gaza peace plan unveiled by Donald Trump - list of 21 key points
The United States and Israel have agreed a far-reaching 21 point peace plan for an end to the war in Gaza and Hamas are studying it carefully - whilst western and Middle Eastern countries pin their hopes on an end to the violence
Hamas leaders were last night considering details of a new 21-point Gaza peace plan signed off by the US and Israel., even as war raged across the Strip killing at least 35 Palestinians since dawn. Both President Donald Trump and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to the plan, thought to have been drafted by envoy Steve Witkoff.
The far-reaching document, though vague in parts, has been largely welcomed by Middle Eastern neighbours and countries such as the UK. France and Italy, as well as Arab and Muslim countries, such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan are said to have approved the peace plan. Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the news, saying in a statement: “The new US initiative to deliver an end to the war in Gaza is profoundly welcome and I am grateful for President Trump’s leadership. We strongly support his efforts to end the fighting, release the hostages and ensure the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. This is our top priority and should happen immediately.
“We call on all sides to come together and to work with the US Administration to finalise this agreement and bring it into reality. Hamas should now agree to the plan and end the misery, by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages.” So far there has not been an official reaction from Hamas except that it was considering the plan 'in good faith.'
But leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad Ziad Al-Nakhaleh, who heads Gaza’s second biggest militant group, said the plan is: “an American–Israeli agreement that fully reflects Israel’s position and a recipe for continued aggression against the Palestinian people.” And far-right Israeli politician Bezalel Smotrich branded it a "resounding diplomatic failure" which is "turning a blind eye and turning one's back on all the lessons of October 7th.'
Even as the plan was being considered war raged across Gaza, with at least 35 Palestinians killed since dawn. Hamas has stated it is considering the US - Israel plan “in good faith.” And it could end a brutal war that has so far killed more than 66,000 Palestinians and 1,983 Israelis including civilians and soldiers.
The plan suggests allowing Gazans to remain in the Strip, face lengthy de-radicalisation and the territory will be rebuilt with a new leadership and economic future. But crucially Hamas will play no part in the new-look Palestinian enclave and the possibility for a two state solution is vague and open-ended. Here is the plan, as the Mirror understands it:
1. Gaza must become de-militarised and deradicalised plus free of terror groups. It must pose no threat to Israel. 2. The entire Strip will be redeveloped for the benefit of locals choosing to remain there. 3. It calls for an immediate end to the war and a cessation of Israel military operations leading to a withdrawal from the Strip.
4. Within 48 hours of Israel signing off on the deal, all remaining hostages will be returned including dead bodies. 5. Only then, Israel will free several hundred Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and over 1,000 Gazans arrested since the start of the war. Israel will also release the bodies of several hundred Palestinians. 6. After that Hamas members who commit to peace and living alongside Israel will be granted amnesty. Those who do not will get safe passage to receiving countries.
7. After this aid will surge into the Strip at rates previously agreed of more than 500 trucks of aid per day, along with the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and equipment to clear ruins. 8. Aid will be distributed — without interference from either side — by UN and the Red Crescent, along with other international groups. 9. Gaza will be administered by a temporary Palestinian government responsible for providing day-to-day services. The committee will be supervised by a new international body established by the US in consultation with Arab and European partners. Former UK PM Tony Blair will likely play a leading role.
10. An economic plan will be created to rebuild Gaza aimed at attracting investments and creating jobs. 11. An economic zone will be established within Gaza. 12. No one will be forced to leave but those who choose to leave will be allowed to return. Gazans will be encouraged to remain in the Strip and offered an opportunity to build a better future there.
13. Hamas will have no role in Gaza. There will be a commitment to destroy and stop building military infrastructure, including tunnels. Gaza’s new leaders will commit to peaceful coexistence with Israel. 14. A security guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas and other Gaza factions comply and that Gaza ceases to pose a threat to Israel. 15. The US will work with Arab and other international partners to develop a temporary peace force to be in Gaza and oversee security. It will create a Palestinian police force.
16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza, and the IDF will gradually hand over territory it currently occupies. 17. If Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above points will proceed in terror-free areas, which the IDF will gradually hand over to the international stabilization force. 18. Israel will not carry out future strikes in Qatar.
19. The population will begin a long process of de-radicalisation. This will include inter-faith talks. 20. When Gaza’s redevelopment has been advanced and the Palestinian Authority reform programme has been implemented, the conditions may be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood, which is recognized as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.
The clause doesn’t provide details regarding the Palestinian reform program and is not defined. 21. The US will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful coexistence.
Last night Hamas was said to be thrashing out plans for the peace proposal as the world awaited whether the peace proposal will be accepted.