Trump Gaza: Comprehensive Guide to the 20-Point Peace Plan and Board of Peace

Donald Trump’s current policy on Gaza is centered on a “20-point Gaza Peace Plan” which aims to transition the territory from active conflict to a demilitarized, technocrat-led “terror-free” zone supervised by an international “Board of Peace.” This plan, unveiled on September 29, 2025, and endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, progressed through a successful first phase involving a major ceasefire and the release of all Israeli hostages by October 13, 2025. Currently, the administration is pushing into Phase Two, which focuses on the disarmament of Hamas, the establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and a massive international reconstruction effort funded by global partners.

Readers will learn about the specific architectural pillars of the Trump peace framework, the controversial role of the Board of Peace in sidestepping traditional UN channels, and the practical logistical updates regarding the Rafah crossing and humanitarian aid flow. This guide also covers the geopolitical implications of the plan for Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and neighboring Arab states involved in the International Stabilization Force (ISF).

The 20-Point Peace Plan

Donald Trump’s primary strategy for Gaza is a phased 20-point framework designed to end the war while ensuring long-term Israeli security. The plan began with an immediate ceasefire and a 72-hour window for the total release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Following the ceasefire, the plan mandates a total Israeli military withdrawal to a specific “Yellow Line” and the entry of roughly 600 aid trucks per day under new management protocols.

The later stages of the 20 points define the “New Gaza” vision, which includes the destruction of all offensive tunnel infrastructure and weapon production facilities. Trump’s administration has emphasized a “de-radicalization” program and the creation of a special economic zone with preferred trade tariffs. This structured approach seeks to move Gaza from a dependency model to a self-sustaining economic “Riviera” while maintaining strict security oversight.

Phase One: Ceasefire and Hostages

Phase One of the Trump Gaza plan successfully concluded in late 2024 and early 2025, resulting in a cessation of hostilities and the release of all remaining living hostages. On October 13, 2025, a critical milestone was reached when Hamas released the final captives in exchange for approximately 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 2023. This phase was mediated primarily by the United States, with significant logistical support from Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt.

The successful implementation of this phase saw the IDF withdraw to agreed-upon lines, though sporadic violence has occasionally tested the integrity of the freeze. This period also marked the first significant increase in humanitarian aid delivery since the start of the conflict, despite lingering challenges with distribution networks inside the strip. The administration characterized this as a “triumph of deal-making” that set the stage for more complex political transitions.

Phase Two: Disarmament and Governance

Initiated on January 15, 2026, Phase Two represents the transition from a simple ceasefire to a permanent security and administrative overhaul. The central goal of this phase is the total disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of Hamas and other militant factions within Gaza. The Trump administration has remained firm that Hamas can have no role in future governance, either directly or indirectly, and must decommission all weapons.

This phase also involves the standing up of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a committee of Palestinian technocrats and international experts. This body is tasked with the daily operation of municipalities and public services, effectively replacing the previous Hamas-led civil administration. However, this transition faces significant hurdles as Hamas has proposed a compromise of contributing 10,000 “police officers” to the new security architecture rather than full disarmament.

The International Board of Peace

The Board of Peace is a high-level oversight body chaired by Donald Trump, designed to supervise Gaza’s transition and reconstruction. Established formally at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026, the Board invites world leaders to participate as “founding members” with a required $1 billion contribution for permanent seats. It is intended to function as an alternative to the United Nations, which the Trump administration has criticized as being ineffective and biased in the region.

Current members of the Board of Peace include Hungary, under Viktor Orbán, along with key regional players such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, and Jordan. While many European allies like France and Germany have remained skeptical of the Board’s broad mandate, its first official working meeting is scheduled for February 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The Board holds a veto over all major governance decisions in Gaza, centering US executive influence over the territory’s future.

International Stabilization Force (ISF)

To maintain security as Israeli forces withdraw, the Trump plan calls for the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF). This force is envisioned as a multi-national coalition composed primarily of Arab and Muslim-majority nations, including potential contributors from Indonesia, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. The ISF’s primary mission is to train a vetted, apolitical Palestinian police force and secure the border areas alongside Egyptian and Israeli monitors.

The deployment of the ISF is contingent on the successful disarmament of militant groups, a process currently under negotiation. The Trump administration has indicated that while the US will lead the diplomatic and financial coordination through the Board of Peace, no American “boots on the ground” are intended for long-term security operations. This regional-first security model aims to provide Israel with a “terror-free” neighbor while allowing for the gradual return of Palestinian self-governance.

Humanitarian Aid and Infrastructure

Under the 20-point plan, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is addressed through “full aid” protocols consistent with January 2025 agreements. This includes the massive rehabilitation of essential infrastructure: water desalination plants, electricity grids, and sewage treatment facilities. The plan mandates that the Rafah crossing operate in both directions to facilitate the movement of goods and medical patients, aiming for a consistent flow of 600 trucks daily.

Infrastructure repair also extends to the clearance of millions of tons of rubble and the reopening of major arterial roads. To bypass previous aid bottlenecks, the Trump administration has shifted distribution roles to a combination of independent international NGOs, the Red Crescent, and new agencies like the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. This diversification is intended to ensure that aid reaches civilians without being diverted by militant factions.

Reconstruction and “New Gaza”

The vision for “New Gaza” involves a multi-billion dollar investment strategy to turn the coastal enclave into a thriving economic hub. Donald Trump has frequently compared the potential of Gaza’s coastline to the “Riviera,” suggesting that high-end real estate and tourism could drive the territory’s GDP. To achieve this, the plan proposes the creation of a “Special Economic Zone” with zero-tariff access to major international markets.

Reconstruction funding is expected to be mobilized through the Board of Peace, with initial pledges totaling several billion dollars from the US, UAE, and other partners. The administration has invited experts who helped build modern Middle Eastern cities like Dubai and Doha to consult on the urban planning of Gaza. The goal is to create a “miracle city” that provides immediate jobs and long-term prosperity to discourage a return to radicalization.

Practical Information and Planning

Current Status and Key Dates

Ceasefire Effective Date: October 10, 2025.
Hostage Release Completion: October 13, 2025.
Phase Two Initiation: January 15, 2026.
Next Major Summit: Board of Peace meeting on February 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

Travel and Crossings

Rafah Crossing: Currently open for humanitarian goods and medical evacuations. Expect invasive searches and long delays due to dual Israeli-Egyptian security protocols.
Erez/Kerem Shalom: Primarily restricted to authorized humanitarian personnel and diplomatic missions under ISF or IDF escort.

What to Expect

Gaza remains in a state of high-security transition. Civilians are gradually returning to areas cleared of debris, but major urban centers like Gaza City and Khan Younis remain largely uninhabitable due to structural damage. Visitors should expect a heavy presence of both IDF (in buffer zones) and emerging ISF/Palestinian police patrols.

Tips for Aid and Investment

Coordinate with the Board of Peace: All large-scale reconstruction projects must be vetted by the Board of Peace executive committee.
Use Authorized Channels: Aid distribution is strictly regulated through the “8 independent bodies” approved by the Trump administration to avoid sanctions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Trump 20-Point Plan” for Gaza?

The 20-point plan is a comprehensive peace framework introduced by Donald Trump in late 2025. It involves a phased approach starting with a hostage-for-prisoner swap and ceasefire, moving into the disarmament of Hamas, and ending with the reconstruction of Gaza under a “Board of Peace.”

Who is on the Board of Peace?

The Board of Peace is chaired by Donald Trump and includes nations that have paid a $1 billion “founding member” fee. Notable participants include Hungary, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey, with many other nations currently in negotiations to join.

Is Hamas part of the new Gaza government?

No. A core requirement of the Trump plan is that Hamas is entirely excluded from governance and security. Gaza is to be run by a technocratic committee of Palestinians and international experts (NCAG) under the supervision of the Board of Peace.

Does the Trump plan support a Two-State Solution?

The plan includes a “conditional path” toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood. However, this is contingent on the total “de-radicalization” of the territory and the achievement of long-term security guarantees for Israel.

What happened to the hostages in Gaza?

Under Phase One of the plan, all living hostages were released by October 13, 2025. The remains of deceased hostages were also exchanged for the remains of deceased Gazans as part of a structured “72-hour” window following the ceasefire.

How is Gaza being rebuilt?

Reconstruction is funded through international pledges coordinated by the Board of Peace. The plan focuses on high-tech infrastructure, tourism-ready coastal development, and the creation of a Special Economic Zone to attract private investment.

What is the International Stabilization Force (ISF)?

The ISF is a multi-national security force composed of Arab and Muslim-majority countries. Its role is to replace the IDF in providing internal security and training a new, vetted Palestinian police force.

Can Palestinians return to their homes?

The plan allows for the return of displaced Palestinians to cleared areas, and explicitly states that “no Palestinian will be forced to leave.” However, widespread destruction means that many are currently living in temporary housing provided by the reconstruction initiative.

How much aid is entering Gaza now?

The goal of the current phase is to maintain a flow of at least 600 trucks per day. This includes not just food and medicine, but heavy machinery for rubble clearance and materials for rebuilding hospitals and schools.

What is the “Yellow Line”?

The “Yellow Line” is a security boundary established by the Trump plan. It separates the areas where the IDF maintains a residual security presence for Israeli border protection from the areas under the control of the new Gaza administration and ISF.

Final Thoughts

The Trump administration’s approach to Gaza represents the most radical departure from traditional Middle Eastern diplomacy in decades. By replacing the multi-decade “peace process” with a private-sector-led “Board of Peace,” Donald Trump has bet that economic prosperity and personal deal-making can succeed where international institutions have failed. The success of the “20-point plan” hinges on two monumental gambles: that Hamas will voluntarily disarm in exchange for amnesty and economic opportunity, and that international investors will view a shattered coastline as the next great Mediterranean frontier.

As of February 2026, the transition remains precarious. While the release of hostages and the successful ceasefire of late 2025 provided a necessary “proof of concept,” the structural challenges of Phase Two—governance and disarmament—face stiff resistance on the ground. Whether Gaza becomes a “miracle city” of glittering towers or remains trapped in a cycle of instability depends on the Board of Peace’s ability to turn political promises into tangible, lived improvements for the two million people residing in the strip.