US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza has been met with enthusiasm in Israel, but analysts warn it contains significant unanswered questions. The plan, presented on Monday, proposes the return of hostages, the removal of Hamas as a ruling organisation, and the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly endorsed it, though his public remarks differed from the written document, notably rejecting a Palestinian state or full military withdrawal.
However, the plan's viability is undermined by the lack of approval from Hamas, a key party to the conflict. Some observers speculate that a Hamas rejection might suit Netanyahu, allowing him to appear committed to ending the war while retaining US backing to continue operations. Even a conditional 'yes, but' response from Hamas would test the flexibility of Netanyahu's coalition, which relies on far-right parties opposed to compromise.
The plan also lacks detail on funding for Gaza's reconstruction, including infrastructure, hospitals, and rubble removal. The proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) raises questions about which countries will contribute troops, command structures, and coordination with the Israel Defense Forces. Section 17 of the plan states that even if Hamas rejects the deal, Israel will hand over 'terror-free' areas to an international force, but it does not explain how such a force would operate in a conflict zone.
Public discourse in Israel has largely ignored these gaps, reflecting a broader indifference to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, according to Roy Schwartz, a senior editor at Haaretz. The plan, while promising a return to 'normality', remains a theoretical framework without crucial details on implementation and funding.
