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Key Points from Donald Trump’s Twenty-Point ‘Peace Plan’ for the Gaza Strip?

In the event that both sides agree to a specific series of terms, the cessation of hostilities will be followed by the freeing of all Israeli hostages, both dead and alive, “over a 72-hour period” of the Israeli government officially endorsing the arrangement.

To reciprocate the freeing of captives, Israel would release 250 Palestinians presently undergoing life sentences and 1,700 more Palestinians in Gaza territory held since the conflict started on October 7, 2023 after the fatal Hamas offensive on the nation of Israel.

For every Israeli national held hostage whose body is returned, Israel will return the bodies of 15 Palestinian fatalities.

The plan does not necessitate a complete Israeli pullout before the release of the hostages. On the contrary, Israel’s military would pull back to an agreed upon line, within the Gaza area, to prepare for a prisoner exchange.

The proposal indicates that every military action, including bombing and artillery fire, will be suspended in the course of the exchange operation and front lines will be maintained until “terms are fulfilled for the complete staged withdrawal”.

Once all hostages are released, clemency will be given to Hamas affiliates – the armed Islamist faction that the premier of Israel, PM Netanyahu, has repeatedly vowed to eliminate – who agree to harmonious living and to surrender their arms.

People who wish to leave Gaza will be provided with protected movement to nations who have agreed to receive them.

The 20-point plan envisages Gaza as “a de-radicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours”. Furthermore, it states the area will be “revitalized for the advantage of the Gaza residents, who have endured excessive hardship”.

Crucially, and opposing the outlook of some of the far-right allies of Netanyahu, Israel will refrain from occupying or annex the land, which was home to 21 communities established by Israel prior to their populace was removed in 2005.

Nor will anyone be obligated to exit the Gaza region, the proposal assures. Individuals who wish to leave will be allowed to do so without restriction and allowed to come back.

Hamas as an entity will be prohibited from any role, “directly or indirectly”, in the future administration of the territory.

Trump Calls on Delegates to ‘Act Quickly’ as They Gather in Egypt for Gaza Discussions

Donald Trump has encouraged representatives of Hamas and Israel meeting in the nation of Egypt for key negotiations aimed at halting the Israeli conflict in Gaza to “accelerate progress,” stating, in remarks on Sunday, that there had been “highly favorable” conversations.

The US president stated:

We have had very positive discussions with Hamas, and States from around the globe (Arab and Muslim nations, among others) over the weekend, to release the Hostages, stop the fighting in the Gaza region but, more importantly, at last achieve long-awaited PEACE in the Middle Eastern region.

These talks have been extremely effective, and proceeding rapidly. The technical teams will again meet this Monday, in the Egyptian Republic, to tackle and finalize the final details. It has been reported that the initial stage should be completed in the coming days, and I am urging each participant to ACT QUICKLY.

The United States delegate Steve Witkoff is slated to attend the talks, based on reports from Israel, alongside Israel’s negotiators and a Palestinian group headed by Khalil al-Hayya, the assistant leader of the administrative wing of the Hamas movement.

The Hamas official is expected to have discussions with facilitators from Qatar and Egypt in Cairo, Egypt on Monday morning, ahead of negotiations in the resort city of Egypt of Sharm El-Sheikh.

Nonetheless, the lead negotiator for Israel, strategic affairs minister Dermer, is expected to join talks toward the end of the week, depending on advancements in the discussions, as per three Israeli officials.

Hope regarding a potential ceasefire has increased globally, with officials from Western and Arab countries urging Hamas and Israel to come to a deal. During Sunday, the German chancellor, Chancellor Merz, contacted Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed support for the Trump plan, describing it as “the most favorable prospect for peace”, based on a official statement.