Donald Trump’s “Peace Plan” promises to end the Gaza war – but can it really hold?

Donald Trump confirmed that Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of the peace plan he introduced in late September. According to the former Republican president, the deal guarantees the imminent release of hostages.

“I am proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

He added: “All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America. We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”

Following Trump’s announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said:“With God’s help, we will bring them all home.” Hamas, in a statement, confirmed that the deal includes “an end to the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of the occupation, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange.”

What is Trump’s peace plan for Israel and Hamas?

The main provisions of the Trump peace plan include turning Gaza into a “terror-free and deradicalized zone” that “poses no threat to its neighbors.” It also establishes that Israeli forces will withdraw to a mutually agreed line to facilitate the release of hostages.

“All military operations, including air and artillery strikes, will be suspended during this period, and the front lines will remain frozen until the conditions for complete and gradual withdrawal are met,” the White House text states.

Within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance of the deal, all hostages – living and deceased – will be returned. Once that happens, Israel will release 250 prisoners serving life sentences, along with 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023, including all women and minors. For each deceased Israeli hostage whose remains are returned, Israel will hand over the remains of 15 Gazans.

Those Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and disarmament will receive amnesty, while those wishing to leave Gaza will be granted safe passage to host countries. The plan also calls for a comprehensive demilitarization process in the enclave.

Humanitarian aid will be allowed into Gaza immediately, including materials to rebuild vital infrastructure such as water, electricity, and sewage systems, as well as hospitals, bakeries, and roads.

Under the agreement, Gaza will be temporarily governed by a technocratic, non-political Palestinian committee composed of “qualified Palestinians and international experts.” Oversight will fall to a new transitional international body – the “Peace Board” – chaired by Trump alongside heads of state and global leaders.

The plan also includes a development program aimed at rebuilding and revitalizing Gaza’s economy. The proposal explicitly states that Israel will neither occupy nor annex Gaza. The United States will also facilitate dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to “agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.