A framework for the future governance of Gaza was presented this week during a meeting at the White House between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The proposal aims to revitalize stalled peace efforts following a breakdown in the ceasefire in March 2025.
The plan, reportedly developed with input from Arab and European partners and enjoying Israeli support, centers on the creation of two key bodies. President Trump will chair an “International Transition Council” comprised of heads of state and prominent figures, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. This council will be responsible for establishing the political framework and attracting private investment to facilitate the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Administration of Gaza itself will be carried out by a body composed of qualified Palestinian professionals and international experts. This administration will focus on providing essential municipal services and daily operations. Its performance will be overseen and monitored by the International Transition Council. A pathway exists for the Palestinian Authority to regain control of Gaza if it undertakes a comprehensive “reform program.
To ensure stability, the United States intends to collaborate with Arab and international partners to establish a temporary “International Stabilization Force” which will be deployed to Gaza. Israeli military forces are expected to gradually withdraw and transfer control to this stabilization force.
A critical component of the agreement stipulates a 72-hour window for Hamas to release all hostages. Following this period, Israel intends to release 250 prisoners serving life sentences, along with 1,700 individuals detained in Gaza since October 2023, including all women and children.
Members of Hamas who commit to peaceful coexistence and disarmament will be granted amnesty following the release of all hostages. Safe passage will be provided for Hamas members wishing to leave Gaza and relocate to designated host countries.
Upon potential acceptance of the agreement, aid deliveries are projected to reach a defined minimum level. Critical infrastructure, including water, electricity, sanitation, hospitals and bakeries, will be repaired and restored. Constraints on the delivery of aid by the United Nations and the Red Crescent will be prohibited for both Israel and Hamas. Forced displacement from Gaza will be avoided and individuals desiring to leave the territory will be permitted to do so freely.
In a related development, the White House confirmed a telephone conversation between President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. During the call, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed regret over the death of a Qatari soldier during a recent Israeli operation within Qatar and apologized for any infringement of Qatari sovereignty, emphasizing that such incidents will not recur.
