U.S. Brokered Israel-Hamas Peace Deal
After nearly two years of war, the new U.S.-brokered peace proposal marks the closest step toward peace since the war began. The October 7 attacks resulted in the deadliest period for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, leaving entire Israeli communities destroyed, neighborhoods burned, families slaughtered, and hundreds taken hostage. More than 1,200 people were murdered and 251 were taken hostage in Gaza. Since then, roughly 1,000 Israeli soldiers are estimated to have died in subsequent fighting. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the total Palestinian death toll is around 67,000; these numbers include both civilians and combatants. While the new peace proposal offers the most tangible chance of ending the war, its success depends on the ability of Israel and Hamas to compromise.
Over the course of the war, there have been several ceasefire attempts; however, this one has been backed by national leaders and top security officials. The plan, created by the current Trump Administration, has been supported by world leaders and mediated by Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar. The first phase has already been accepted by both Israel and Hamas. In an official statement, Hamas stated, “The movement announces its agreement to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump's proposal, provided the field conditions for the exchange are met.”
During the initial phase of the plan, the Israeli military will withdraw to a line that will leave it in control of an estimated 53% of Gaza. After this, Hamas will have 72 hours to release the living hostages, though the timeline for returning the deceased remains unclear. It is estimated that about 20 hostages remain alive. Among the bodies held in Gaza is an IDF soldier killed in 2014. In return, Israel will release an estimated 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and over 1,700 Gaza detainees. Hamas officials have requested the release of several high-profile prisoners from Israeli prisons; however, Israel has declined. Among them are Marwan Barghouti and Abdullah Barghouti (no relation). Marwan Barghouti was a senior leader of Hamas’ opposition Fatah who was accused of killing 5 people during the second intifada. Abdullah Barghouti was a senior Hamas bombmaker who was convicted of numerous terrorist attacks that killed 66 people in total, including 5 Americans. Additionally, for every deceased Israeli hostage returned, Israel will return the remains of 15 Gazans. Following these announcements, a post shared on X by The White House shared an image showing the withdrawal lines in the first part of the plan. As part of the ceasefire, an influx of humanitarian aid will enter Gaza (Brookings), while roughly 200 U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East will be deployed to Israel to monitor the ceasefire (BBC). Only after these terms are met will negotiations for phase two of the plan begin, including a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. A key point of President Donald Trump's initial 20-point plan includes the complete and total demilitarization of Hamas; however, this has not been agreed to by Hamas (source). In addition, Hamas members who agree to peaceful coexistence and withdraw their weapons will be granted amnesty, or if they wish to leave Gaza, will be granted safe passage to do so (PBS).
If successful, it will be an opportunity for Gaza’s reconstruction and long-term recovery under new governance. The plan for peace calls for an International Stabilization Force (ISF), a temporary technocratic government composed of officials from the U.S., Europe, and select Arab states, to oversee Gaza’s post-war transition. In addition, a Trump-proposed economic plan will aim to rebuild and “energize” Gaza. This plan will bring humanitarian relief, hostage return, regional stability, and diplomatic progress. If the plan fails, the region will once again be left at a standstill, with no way to move forward or rebuild the thousands of lives destroyed as a result of the conflict. If no agreement is met, the past has told us that it will bring renewed fighting, escalation, and further humanitarian disaster.
After years of mistrust and heartbreak on both sides of the conflict, we are witnessing a historical moment and the strongest opportunity for peace that the region has seen. Although the current 20-point plan has no mention of Palestinian statehood, it does not rule out the possibility of a future independent Palestinian state. What happens next will decide if this moment becomes a turning point or just another missed chance for peace.
Written by Mia Fried
