Trump's Gaza Peace Plan: Ceasefire, Hostage Release, and Humanitarian Aid Framework Agreed by Israel and Hamas

Israel and Hamas have officially accepted the initial phase of US President Donald Trump's "Comprehensive End of Gaza War" peace initiative. The agreement, signed on October 9, outlines a detailed framework for implementing a ceasefire, exchanging hostages and prisoners, and facilitating humanitarian aid access to Gaza.

According to the peace plan, the ceasefire will become effective immediately upon formal approval by Benjamin Netanyahu's government. All military activities, including bombardments from air and artillery, will cease, with Israeli forces withdrawing from specified Gaza areas within 24 hours.

Within the following 72 hours, aerial surveillance operations will be discontinued over regions evacuated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The historic "Comprehensive End of Gaza War" Agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by President Trump, represents a significant diplomatic breakthrough in the prolonged conflict.

Comprehensive humanitarian assistance will commence immediately, aligning with both this new proposal and the humanitarian aid agreement from January 19, 2025. Relief supplies and medical resources are scheduled to enter Gaza as part of coordinated international efforts.

Israeli forces will retreat to "agreed-upon lines" as specified on a classified map ("Map X") attached to the document. This withdrawal must be completed within 24 hours following Israel's approval. The IDF commits to not re-entering evacuated zones provided Hamas maintains compliance with the agreement terms.

Within 72 hours after the withdrawal, Hamas will begin releasing all Israeli hostages in Gaza, both alive and deceased. Those held by affiliated Palestinian groups will also be released according to the plan.

Hamas will concurrently investigate and report on any remaining hostages' status, sharing information through a mechanism facilitated by mediators and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

In exchange, Israel will release a corresponding number of Palestinian prisoners. The exchange process will be conducted privately, without media coverage or public ceremonies.

A structured process will be established through mediators and the ICRC to coordinate intelligence and logistics regarding missing or deceased hostages and Gazan remains held in Israel. Both parties must fully cooperate to ensure all remains are safely recovered and returned.

An international task force comprising representatives from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and other mutually approved countries will oversee implementation, address disputes, and ensure compliance with each phase of the plan.

The agreement identifies Hamas's disarmament, Gaza's governance structure, and long-term security arrangements as topics for subsequent negotiations.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas conducted an attack on a music festival in southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages taken. Some hostages were released during previous ceasefires, but 48 remain in Gaza. According to Associated Press, roughly 20 are believed to be alive, with the remainder presumed dead.

Over the past two years, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has resulted in more than 67,200 Palestinian fatalities, according to Gaza health authorities. The offensive has devastated large portions of the 365 square kilometer territory, destroying homes, hospitals, and schools while displacing nearly the entire population. Israel has imposed severe restrictions on essential supplies, reportedly causing famine conditions. International organizations, including the United Nations and International Criminal Court, have accused Netanyahu's government of genocide—allegations that Israel denies.