The Times of Israel has uncovered a classified 21-point document outlining the US plan to end the war in Gaza and pave the way for the creation of a Palestinian state. The plan was drafted by special envoy Steve Witkoff with input from former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Jared Kushner and presented to a number of Arab and Muslim countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
As the Israeli newspaper notes, the change is spectacular, since in February, President Donald Trump spoke of a possible “transfer” of two million Gazans. Now the plan clearly encourages their stay, the gradual reconstruction of the area and, in the future, a political solution with the prospect of a state.
Basic principles
The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages, massive humanitarian aid, an interim administration by Palestinian technocrats, the complete demilitarization of the Palestinian Strip, and the participation of an international stabilization force. On the horizon, the possibility of recognizing a Palestinian state after reforming the Palestinian Authority.
The proposal also contains “red lines” for the Israeli side: complete disarmament of Hamas, zero role in the next administration, demilitarization and a deradicalization process. Trump himself optimistically stated that “intense negotiations have begun for four days and will continue for as long as necessary,” emphasizing that all countries in the region are participating, while Israel and Hamas are informed at all levels.
The 21 points of the American plan
1. Gaza will become a demilitarized and deradicalized zone, without posing a threat to its neighbors.
2. Rebuilding Gaza for the benefit of its inhabitants.
3. Immediate end to the war with a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces.
4. Release of all hostages within 48 hours of acceptance of the agreement.
5. The release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and the return of Palestinian troops following the return of hostages.
6. Amnesty for Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence – safe departure for those who want to leave.
7. Massive flow of humanitarian aid with at least 600 trucks per day and infrastructure projects.
8. Distribution of aid by international organizations (UN, Red Crescent), without the interference of Israel or Hamas.
9. Administration by an interim government of Palestinian technocrats, under international supervision, until the completion of the reform of the Palestinian Authority.
10. Economic reconstruction plan, with experts and investments for new jobs.
11. Creation of an economic zone with reduced tariffs and special access agreements.
12. Encouraging Palestinians to stay in Gaza, with the possibility of return for those who can leave.
13. No Hamas involvement in governance – destruction of offensive infrastructure (tunnels, etc.).
14. Regional security guarantees so that the conditions are met and Gaza ceases to be a threat.
15. International stabilization force to oversee security and train Palestinian police.
16. Israel's commitment not to occupy or annex Gaza, with a gradual handover of the territory to the international force.
17. Implementing the conditions, even partially, in the areas to be evacuated, if Hamas rejects the plan.
18. Israel's commitment not to harm Qatar, in recognition of its role in mediation.
19. A process of deradicalization of the population, with interfaith dialogue to change the narrative.
20. Once the reconstruction and reform of the Palestinian Authority progresses, a credible path towards a Palestinian state can be put in place.
21. Establishing a US-Israeli-Palestine dialogue for a "political horizon" of peaceful coexistence.
