Finally, the end of the war (?)
If the weekend goes according to plan, in the next 3 days all hostages will be released, Israel will begin a withdrawal in stages from the Gaza Strip. The war is - please God - over, and the "day after will begin before next Shabbat.
The Trump peace plan is being heralded as a masterwork of international diplomacy. It is sad, but gratifying, to see all the people who have been upset with some of my writings in favor of exactly this outcome - since last January - lining up to applaud the efforts of President Trump. Better late than never, but I don't expect them to acknowledge that it is exactly what I have been calling for... a return of all hostages, an end of all hostilities, an international force, re-establishment of the PA, and talks aimed at a Palestinian State. It has been hard to hear people opposed to these very common and reasonable outcomes, but now that I have Trump on my side I guess it's kosher!
Feel free to read my earlier blog posts and compare them to the 21 points of the Trump plan, as reported in various news outlets:
The "Trump Peace Plan" for Gaza has been reported as both a 20-point and 21-point proposal. The core points are consistent across most reports, with the 21-point version having slightly more detail, particularly regarding the post-war political horizon.
Here are the key points, numbered, drawing on the most comprehensive available details from the reported 21-point plan:
Key Principles (often stated as initial, unnumbered points):
Gaza will be a de-radicalized, terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.
Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of its people.
Hamas will have no role in Gaza's governance.
Numbered Points (Based on the Reported 21-Point Document):
(Information for points 1-2 often summarized in the key principles above).
(Information for points 1-2 often summarized in the key principles above).
Immediate Ceasefire and Hostage/Prisoner Exchange: If Israel and Hamas agree, the war will immediately end, and the IDF will halt all operations and gradually withdraw from the Strip.
Hostage Release Timeline: Within 72 hours of Israel's public acceptance of the agreement, all hostages (alive and deceased) will be returned.
Palestinian Prisoner Release: Once all hostages are released, Israel will free Palestinian prisoners (including those serving life sentences and Gazans detained after October 7, 2023).
Specific ratios for remains may also apply. Amnesty/Safe Passage for Hamas Members: Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty.
Those wishing to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries. Surge of Humanitarian Aid: Upon acceptance of the agreement, full aid will immediately surge into Gaza at rates no lower than established benchmarks (e.g., 600 trucks/day, including critical infrastructure rehabilitation).
Aid Distribution Mechanism: Entry and distribution of aid will proceed without interference from the two parties, overseen by the UN, Red Crescent, and other non-associated international institutions.
The Rafah crossing will open subject to agreed-upon mechanisms. Transitional Governance: Gaza will be administered by a temporary, transitional government of technocratic, apolitical Palestinian experts, responsible for day-to-day services.
This committee will be supervised by a new international body (e.g., the "Board of Peace") established by the US in consultation with partners. This body will set the framework and handle funding for redevelopment until the Palestinian Authority (PA) completes its reform program. Economic Development Plan: A Trump economic development plan will be created to rebuild and energize Gaza, involving a panel of experts to attract investments, create jobs, opportunity, and hope.
Special Economic Zone: A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates negotiated with participating countries.
No Forced Displacement: No one will be forced to leave Gaza; those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return.
Gazans will be encouraged to stay and build a better future. Hamas Governance and Disarmament Commitment: Hamas will have no role in Gaza's governance.
There will be a commitment to destroy and cease building any offensive military infrastructure, including tunnels. Gaza's new leaders will commit to peaceful coexistence. Regional Security Guarantee: A security guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure compliance and that Gaza ceases to pose a threat to Israel.
International Stabilization Force and Police Training: The US will work with partners to develop a temporary international stabilization force to immediately deploy and oversee security.
This force will train a Palestinian police force for long-term internal security. Israeli Non-Occupation/Non-Annexation: Israel agrees not to occupy or annex Gaza, and the IDF will gradually hand over territory as replacement security forces establish control.
(This point's details are often absorbed into others or remain undisclosed in public summaries).
Commitment to Qatar's Role: Israel agrees not to carry out future strikes in Qatar, and the US/international community acknowledges Doha's important mediating role.
De-radicalization Process: A process will be established to de-radicalize the population, including interfaith dialogue to change mindsets and narratives in Israel and Gaza.
Pathway to Palestinian Statehood (Aspiration): When Gaza's redevelopment has advanced and the PA reform program has been implemented, conditions may be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood, recognized as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.
Political Horizon Dialogue: The US will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful coexistence.
Note: Publicly available versions of the plan often differ slightly in numbering and exact phrasing, sometimes listing only 20 points, but the general framework above covers the comprehensive details of the widely reported U.S. proposal.
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