U.S. initiated 21-Point proposal for ending Gaza War draws ire from both sides

Media reports revealed details of a comprehensive American proposal crafted by special envoy Steve Witkoff to end the Gaza conflict. The plan, shared with Arab and Muslim countries, encourages Palestinians to remain in Gaza while establishing a pathway to potential Palestinian statehood. In return, Arab leaders demanded that Israel not annex or occupy Gaza, avoid creating settlements in Gaza, stick more closely to the Al-Aqsa Mosque status quo, and allow more humanitarian aid in. It also outlines Arab and Muslim funding for Gaza’s reconstruction and some role for the Palestinian Authority.

The 21 points quoted in reports include:

1. Gaza becomes a de-radicalized, terror-free zone

2. Strip redevelopment for residents benefit

3. Immediate war cessation upon agreement

4. All hostages returned within 48 hours of Israeli acceptance

5. Israel releases hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and over 1,000 detained Gazans

6. Hamas members choosing peaceful coexistence receive amnesty; others get safe passage out

7. Massive aid surge at 600+ trucks daily, matching January 2025 deal levels

8. UN and Red Crescent distribute aid without interference

9. Temporary Palestinian technocrat government supervised by new international body

10. Economic reconstruction plan using Middle East development expertise

11. Special economic zone with reduced tariffs established

12. No forced Gaza departures; voluntary emigrants may return; residents encouraged to stay

13. Complete Hamas removal from governance; military infrastructure destruction

14. Regional partners provide security guarantees

15. International stabilization force deploys immediately

16. Israel withdraws gradually without occupation or annexation

17. Deal proceeds in terror-free areas even if Hamas partially rejects

18. Israel agrees not to strike Qatar; international community acknowledges Dohas mediation role

19. De-radicalization process includes interfaith dialogue

20. Potential statehood pathway when Gaza rebuilds and PA reforms complete

21. US establishes Israeli-Palestinian dialogue for peaceful coexistence

The proposal faces resistance from both sides – Hamas over demilitarization demands and Netanyahu over statehood provisions. 

Trump’s 21-point plan is the first U.S. proposal he has put forward to end the Gaza war and set up a post-Hamas future. The plan calls for freeing all hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and Israel’s gradual withdrawal from Gaza, with a new governing body formed that excludes Hamas but includes Palestinian representatives and security forces from Arab and Muslim states. This was all built on the framework written by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Blair, who served as the British Prime from 1997-2007, proposes to establish a post war transitional body until authority can be handed over to the PA – also known as the Palestinian Authority – which Israel has not wanted to work with moving forward. The US-backed plan was expanded to include specific war termination mechanisms. The plan requires Hamas to disarm completely, calls for Palestinian Authority governance of both Gaza and the West Bank, and envisions simultaneous release of all 48 hostages during a multi-week ceasefire. 

Arab and Muslim officials welcomed the plan as a serious step, some saying this was the first time they felt there’s something to move forward with and Trump plans to discuss it with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to push it forward. Arab and Muslim countries, briefed last week on the 21-point U.S. proposal, have spent several days submitting edits to Washington, an Arab diplomat told The Times of Israel. The proposed changes are expected to be raised with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump tomorrow, as the plan moves toward finalization. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News in an interview on Sunday that Israel is actively coordinating with the Trump administration on the proposed 21-point plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. Speaking from New York just a day before his scheduled White House meeting with President Trump, Netanyahu emphasized that while the plan has not yet been finalized, discussions are ongoing.

“We’re in active talks with President Trump’s team right now,” he said, stressing the goal of securing the release of hostages, dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities, and establishing a demilitarized Gaza. Netanyahu added that the broader vision includes creating a stable future for both Gazans and Israelis, as well as advancing regional stability.