International diplomatic circles are abuzz with debate and skepticism following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new 20-point Gaza peace plan aimed at achieving lasting stability in the Middle East. The White House claims the roadmap ensures the complete disarmament of Hamas and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, major questions remain regarding its feasibility, given geographical realities and domestic political uncertainty in Israel.
The four-page roadmap, framed under a “Board of Peace” understanding, is described by Trump as a critical step toward transitioning Gaza’s governance to a new Palestinian entity. It specifies that every phase will be verified under direct American supervision, though precise operational details for this monitoring framework are yet to be disclosed. Reports citing officials suggest Hamas has agreed to the plan in principle, but the group has not issued an official confirmation. This development follows preliminary peace efforts in September 2025 and October agreements on prisoner swaps and a tech-led transition, though Hamas had previously remained silent on surrendering arms.
A major point of doubt surrounds the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, which currently maintain temporary control over 53 percent of Gaza behind a designated “Yellow Line” established after the October 2025 ceasefire. Israeli troops have reinforced their presence there with military bases and earthen barriers, leaving it unclear whether they will pull back behind this boundary. Furthermore, Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has taken a cold stance toward the progress, frequently downplaying reports of breakthroughs in Cairo. US officials warn that Trump will be disappointed if Israel fails to withdraw completely, yet Israel’s political leadership faces immense domestic pressure, especially with general elections scheduled for October this year.
Right-wing Israeli politicians and members of Netanyahu’s Likud party have strongly rejected concessions, demanding that Hamas fully disarm and destroy its infrastructure before any troop movement occurs. Likud leader Moshe Saada argued that without complete disarmament, military control remains the only option, while far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir aggressively denounced the deal, calling instead for the total destruction of Hamas and encouraging Palestinian emigration. Meanwhile, over two million Gazans living in dire conditions hold immense hope for the plan, even as the Israeli public’s security concerns following the October 7, 2023 attacks remain central to the dialogue.
Internationally, Britain has welcomed the progress toward Gaza peace and Hamas’s disarmament, with UK First Secretary of State Louise Haigh stating that the human cost of the war is unacceptable and urging Israel to act firmly against settler violence in the West Bank. Beyond military provisions, Trump’s plan offers a massive economic boost called the “Trump Economic Development Plan,” which aims to rebuild Gaza into a modern hub modeled after booming Middle Eastern cities using a special panel of experts. Ultimately, whether this roadmap delivers real peace depends on how key hurdles are navigated—including the fate of surrendered weapons, the willingness of Israel to abandon its Yellow Line bases under US pressure, and the political choices made in the upcoming Israeli elections.
