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What’s in Donald Trump’s Comprehensive ‘Resolution Strategy’ for the Gaza Strip?

Provided that both sides agree to a specific series of terms, the end of fighting will be paired with the liberation of all individuals held by Hamas, both dead and alive, “over a 72-hour period” of Israel officially endorsing the agreement.

In return for the freeing of captives, Israel would release 250 Palestinians currently serving lengthy incarcerations and an additional 1,700 Palestinians in Gaza territory detained since the conflict started on 7 October 2023 subsequent to Hamas’s deadly attack on the nation of Israel.

For each Israeli national held hostage whose body is returned, the Israeli side will return the bodies of 15 Palestinian fatalities.

The strategy does not require a full Israeli withdrawal before the captive release. Instead, Israeli forces would retreat to an mutually accepted border, inside Gaza, to prepare for a prisoner exchange.

The proposal indicates that all armed activities, encompassing bombing and artillery fire, will be paused in the course of the release process and battle lines will remain frozen until “terms are fulfilled for the phased full withdrawal”.

After all hostages are freed, clemency will be awarded to individuals associated with Hamas – the Islamist military group that the premier of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has consistently pledged to eradicate – who consent to peaceful coexistence and to disarm themselves.

Those who desire to depart Gaza will be offered secure transit to countries who have consented to accept them.

The comprehensive strategy envisions Gaza as “a region cleared of extremism and terrorism that does not pose a threat to its neighbours”. Additionally, it declares the region will be “reconstructed for the advantage of the Gaza residents, who have suffered more than enough”.

Crucially, and in defiance of the vision of some of the far-right allies of Netanyahu, Israel will refrain from occupying or take over the region, which was the location of 21 communities established by Israel before their populace was removed in 2005.

Nor will anyone be compelled to depart Gaza, the strategy guarantees. People who wish to leave will be permitted to do so without restriction and permitted to return.

The Hamas organization will not be allowed any participation, “in any capacity”, in the upcoming leadership of the region.

Donald Trump Calls on Delegates to ‘Accelerate Progress’ as They Gather in Egypt for Gaza Talks

Donald J. Trump has urged delegates from Hamas and Israel gathering in Egypt for crucial talks targeting halting Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip to “accelerate progress,” remarking, in statements on Sunday morning, that there had been “highly favorable” conversations.

The American leader commented:

There were highly favorable discussions with the Hamas organization, and States from across the planet (Arab, Muslim, and various other countries) over the weekend, to free the captives, halt the conflict in the Gaza region but, more importantly, at last achieve long sought PEACE in the Middle Eastern region.

These negotiations have been highly productive, and moving quickly. Specialist groups will again meet Monday, in Egypt, to tackle and finalize the final details. I am told that the opening segment is expected to conclude in the coming days, and I am requesting everyone to ACCELERATE PROGRESS.

The US envoy Envoy Witkoff is expected to join the negotiations, as per sources in Israel, in addition to representatives from Israel and a delegation from Palestine headed by Al-Hayya, the vice chairman of the political bureau of Hamas.

The Hamas official is reportedly due to meet with facilitators from Egypt and Qatar in the city of Cairo this morning, before discussions in the Egyptian tourist destination of Sharm El Sheikh.

Nevertheless, Israel’s top delegate, the strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, is expected to join talks toward the end of the week, subject to advancements in the discussions, according to several officials from Israel.

Positive outlook on a potential ceasefire has escalated worldwide, with western and Arab leaders pressuring both Hamas and Israel to finalize a settlement. On Sunday, the Chancellor of Germany, Chancellor Merz, spoke with Israeli PM Netanyahu and expressed support for the Trump plan, calling it “the most favorable prospect for resolution”, based on a readout.