The future of Gaza hangs precariously in the balance as Hamas leaders deliberate over a sweeping 20-point peace proposal from the United States. The deal, presented by President Donald Trump with a tight 3-4 day deadline, essentially offers a trade: the group’s complete surrender in exchange for peace and reconstruction for the war-ravaged territory.
Trump has framed the offer as a final chance, backed by a powerful international coalition that includes Israel and key Arab nations. He has warned that if Hamas fails to accept, Israel is prepared to take decisive action, leading to what he ominously called a “very sad end” for the militant organization.
The plan’s key provisions include an immediate halt to all military operations, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of all remaining hostages. Furthermore, it promises the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees and, crucially, allows for a massive influx of aid to a population facing starvation.
The core of the deal, however, is the non-negotiable demand that Hamas must lay down all its weapons and be permanently removed from power in Gaza. This presents an existential choice for the group, which launched the war with its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
As Hamas consults internally and with other Palestinian factions, the world watches. The decision will determine whether Gaza begins a long road to recovery after a conflict that has killed over 66,000 people, or if it faces a new wave of destruction.
