Trump Unveils 20-Point Gaza Peace Plan, Demands Hamas Disarmament
US President Donald Trump has presented a 20-point peace plan for Gaza, aiming to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, hostage exchange, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas disarmament, and an international-led transitional government. Arab nations have welcomed the initiative, but Hamas has yet to respond.
The offensive began after a Hamas-led assault on Israel in October 2023, resulting in over 66,000 deaths in Gaza. The plan demands Hamas disarm, a condition it has previously rejected. Israel's Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu initially supported the plan but later expressed doubts about Palestinian statehood. A Hamas source described the plan as biased towards Israel with impossible conditions aiming to eliminate the group.
Trump's plan includes the release of all hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours, in exchange for Israel freeing 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 others arrested since the war began. It also offers amnesty to Hamas members who accept peaceful coexistence and allows free passage for those wishing to leave Gaza. Trump has given Hamas three to four days to accept the plan, warning of a 'very sad end' if they reject it. An official briefed on the talks said Hamas would review the plan in good faith and provide a response.
The US peace plan for Gaza has been welcomed by some Arab nations but faces skepticism from Hamas. With a deadline set by Trump, the region awaits Hamas' response to the proposed ceasefire and disarmament. The plan's success hinges on whether Hamas accepts the conditions and if Israel agrees to the prisoner release and withdrawal.
