In a high-stakes diplomatic gambit, former President Donald Trump has unveiled a 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the nearly two-year war in Gaza—and both Israel and Hamas have signaled cautious willingness to engage. But while the proposal promises swift hostage releases and a path to peace, its success hinges on one explosive condition: Hamas must lay down its arms .
The Core of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan
Released on October 4, 2025, the plan is built around a rapid, reciprocal exchange: Hamas frees all remaining hostages within 72 hours, and Israel halts bombing, withdraws troops, and agrees to a new governance structure for Gaza. But the devil is in the details—and the details are still missing.
Key Pillars of the 20-Point Proposal
- Hostage Release: All ~20 living hostages and ~25 bodies returned within 72 hours.
- Prisoner Swap: Israel releases 250 Palestinians serving life sentences + 1,700 others detained since October 2023.
- Hamas Disarmament: Full surrender of weapons and end to military operations.
- End of Hamas Rule: Group steps down from governance in Gaza.
- International Oversight: A neutral, internationally supervised Palestinian administration takes over public services.
- Israeli Withdrawal: Gradual pullback of IDF forces from Gaza.
Where Israel and Hamas Stand
Israel’s government announced it was preparing for “immediate implementation” of the first steps, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing support during a recent White House visit. Meanwhile, Hamas issued a statement agreeing to release all hostages—but notably avoided mentioning disarmament or relinquishing political control .
| Component | Trump’s Demand | Israel’s Response | Hamas’s Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostage Release | Within 72 hours | Ready to receive | Agrees—but cites “security measures” and logistical delays |
| Disarmament | Mandatory | Non-negotiable | No comment |
| Post-War Governance | International Palestinian admin | Supports (with security guarantees) | Wants transitional role; silent on long-term exit |
| Ceasefire | Immediate halt to bombing | Shifted to “defensive posture” | Demand full military withdrawal |
On the Ground: Hope Tempered by Skepticism
For civilians in Gaza—where 66 people were reported killed just on Friday—the diplomatic maneuvering feels distant. Many fear another false dawn.
“We’ve been through this before… thinking it might happen — only to get burned,” said Dr. Abdelkarim al-Harazin, who recently fled Gaza City .
Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee warned displaced Palestinians not to return to northern Gaza, stating: “Attempting to return there poses extreme danger.”
What’s Next?
Indirect talks between Israeli and Hamas representatives are expected to begin soon in Egypt, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Qatar, and Egyptian mediators facilitating. Trump issued a stark warning on social media: “Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off.”
With lives hanging in the balance and trust at an all-time low, the world watches to see if this plan becomes a breakthrough—or another broken promise.
