Trump Promises Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict: End to Escalating Violence

President Donald Trump announced the creation of a "Peace Council" under his leadership, claiming Israel has agreed to his plan to end the war in Gaza. Trump expects a positive response from Hamas and says hostages could be released within 72 hours if the group accepts the proposal.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump called it "a historic day for peace." He outlined a comprehensive 20-point plan that includes a phased Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and temporary governance by a non-political Palestinian technocratic committee.

The plan creates what Trump calls a "Peace Administration" to oversee Gaza's management. This international body would be led by Trump himself, alongside other world leaders including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The committee would consist of qualified Palestinians and international experts working under this new transitional authority.

Netanyahu endorsed Trump's proposal, saying it achieves Israel's military objectives while securing the return of hostages and dismantling Hamas's military capabilities. "Your plan aligns with the five points my government set for ending the war and the day after Hamas," Netanyahu told Trump.

Here's how the plan works: If both sides agree, the war ends immediately and Israeli forces withdraw to agreed lines. All hostages would be returned within 72 hours of Israel accepting the agreement. In exchange, Israel would release 250 prisoners serving life sentences plus 1,700 Gaza detainees held since October 7, 2023, including all women and children.

The proposal offers amnesty to Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and surrender their weapons after all hostages are returned. Those wanting to leave Gaza would get safe passage to receiving countries.

Trump emphasized that Arab and Islamic nations have pledged to disarm Gaza and Hamas immediately. "We're counting on these countries to deal with Hamas, and from what I hear, Hamas also wants to achieve this," he said.

Gaza would become what the plan calls a "deradicalized, terrorism-free zone" that poses no threat to neighbors. A special economic zone would be established with preferential customs tariffs negotiated with participating countries. The plan stresses that no one would be forced to leave Gaza, but those wanting to leave would have freedom to do so and return.

The reconstruction effort would follow "Trump's Economic Development Plan" created by experts who helped establish modern, prosperous cities in the Middle East. Immediate comprehensive aid would enter Gaza, including rehabilitation of infrastructure, hospitals, and bakeries, plus equipment for debris removal and road clearing.

All military and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons production facilities, would be destroyed and not rebuilt. Gaza would undergo disarmament under independent monitors, supported by an internationally funded buyback and reintegration program.

The US would work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary international stabilization force deployed immediately in Gaza. This force would train and support Palestinian police forces while Israeli troops withdraw according to agreed timelines tied to the disarmament process.

The plan makes clear that Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. If Hamas delays or rejects the proposal, the aid process and other elements would still be implemented in areas free from Hamas control that are transferred from Israeli forces to the international stabilization force.

Trump suggested this could create conditions for Palestinian self-determination and statehood as Gaza's reconstruction progresses and Palestinian Authority reform programs are seriously implemented. But he warned that if Hamas doesn't agree, "Israel will have my complete support."