Former U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a 60-day ceasefire plan designed to bring an end to the 21-month war in Gaza, supported by Qatar, Egypt and Israel. This framework links an end of hostilities with hostage releases, humanitarian relief projects and wider diplomatic objectives, but several hurdles still stand in its path and threaten its success.
Proposal Components
- Duration & Scope of Ceasefire
The proposal calls for an initial 60-day ceasefire covering all major sectors in Gaza–urban centers, southern enclaves and border crossings. Trump claimed Israel has agreed to “necessary conditions” for such an accord – marking an important diplomatic breakthrough (See: https://en.wikipedia.org, thetimes.co.uk and youtube for examples). - Hostage Release Sequence
Hamas intends to release 10 living hostages and 18 bodies during the early phase of a ceasefire agreement. Further releases would depend on formalizing a permanent ceasefire (time.com +2, Reuter’s +2). - Palestinian Prisoner Exchange
Israel plans to release hundreds of Palestinian detainees as part of a prisoner exchange agreement similar to earlier agreements; according to various news sources (AA.com.tr +10; En.wikipedia +10 and Ft.com +10) that was also included as a key feature. - Humanitarian Access & Aid Distribution This plan promises a surge in aid deliveries to Gaza–up to 600 trucks daily–that include fuel, food and medical aid. Notably, U.N. and Palestinian Red Crescent control would replace Israeli/US managed systems
- Stepped-Back Israeli Pullback
Israel would embark on a gradual military withdrawal from parts of Gaza, suspending air operations for 10-12 hours each day and continuing only intelligence-led raids (according to Wikipedia and The Guardian respectively). At the same time, diplomatic guarantees would also be offered by both countries in case this happened.
Trump claims his proposal includes binding mechanisms to ensure negotiations go without further violence, which both parties have accepted, according to The Guardian, Huffington Post, and AAA.com (plus 11).
Why Both Sides Reacted
Hamas responded cautiously but positively and is engaged in negotiations over adjustments such as withdrawal timelines from Israel, aid governance arrangements, and an eventual permanent truce clause.
Israel: Under pressure from both within Israel and from Washington, Netanyahu’s government has indicated its acceptance of the 60-day plan while rejecting Hamas amendments. Additionally, Israeli Cabinet has approved sending envoys to Doha shortly (huffingtonpost.es/+1 and apnews.com/+1 for example).
Potential for Success
Humanitarian Lifeline: The proposal could bring immediate aid in terms of food, fuel, medical assistance and reconstruction funding – alleviating Gaza’s humanitarian disaster (sources: Reuter’s.com +3
Wikipedia.org +3 the Guardian).
Hostage Return Momentum: Stepped releases can foster trust between parties involved and increase public support on both sides.
Gateway to Permanant Truce: If sustained, initial cessations agreements could pave the way to long-term peace and reduced regional destabilization – according to Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org) +3 and Reuter’s (+3)
Hamas Amendments: Hamas seeks more stringent guarantees for Israeli withdrawal and humanitarian authority–demands Israel currently finds “unacceptable”. For more details, see elpais.com, aa.com.tr and apnews.com, respectively.
Trust Deficit: In the aftermath of repeated ceasefire breaches, both sides doubt each other’s sincerity–Israel suspecting Hamas of using talks as leverage while Gazan civilians question enforced withdrawals imposed by Israel.
Internal Pressures in Israel: Netanyahu faces intense scrutiny from hardline ministers who oppose any sign of withdrawal and desire full military victory, according to Al Jazeera.com.
Regional Alignment: For implementation to succeed, sustained support from mediators such as Qatar and Egypt – with possibly additional help from Trump–is key, as is their ability to ensure compliance.
Outlook: Peace Within Reach? The ceasefire proposal represents perhaps the most systematic attempt since January to broker peace between Israel and Hamas in Gaza – including phased agreements, hostage release plans, aid delivery agreements and diplomacy. Israel accepted and Hamas expressed positive intent, which signalled momentum; however disagreements over amendments as well as deep mistrust threaten derailment of a possible accord.
Success of any ceasefire plan lies in its swift implementation: hostages moved, aid delivered and partial withdrawals completed within an acceptable timeframe – as well as mechanisms established to prevent its collapse – should these conditions hold. Should such conditions prevail, this plan could pave the way to a lasting pause and peace-building processes.
History offers a stark warning: trust must be built, guarantees must impose terms, and spoilers on either side must be kept under control. As Doha hosts new rounds of negotiations and Trump engages Netanyahu at Washington, this coming week could prove decisive: can fragile peace yield lasting tranquility?