Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan: Provisions & Implications for India
Gajendra Singh Godara
Oct 12, 2025
15
mins read
Early Roots and Partition
The main causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict trace back to the early 20th century when the British control over Palestine was mandated under the League of Nations
The Balfour Declaration (1917) advocated British support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, which led to tensions with the Arab population.
Immigration of Jewish people increased in the 1920s and 1930s; the Arabs opposed this fearing loss of their land and identity in the country.
In 1947, the United Nations suggested partitioning Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. The Jewish leaders accepted, but the Arab states rejected the plan, this led to the first war between them in 1948.
Creation of Israel and Initial Wars
In 1948, Israel declared its independence, which further fuelled a war with neighbouring Arab countries. Further this caused massive displacement of Palestinians, known as the Nakba (catastrophe).
Between 1949 and 1967, through a series of events Gaza Strip came under Egyptian administration, while the West Bank was controlled by Jordan.
The Six-Day War and Occupation
In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel captured Gaza Strip, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and other territories, which intensified the conflict.
Israeli settlements were established in these regions, leading to prolonged disputes over sovereignty and rights.
Rise of Palestinian Movements and Hamas
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was formed in 1964, aiming for Palestinian self-determination.
In 1987, through a widespread protest and violence the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule arose.
Hamas emerged as an Islamist political and militant group in 1987. It increasingly gained control over the Gaza strip.
Hamas Control and Blockade of Gaza
After violent clashes between Hamas and Fatah, Hamas took full control of Gaza in 2007, leading to a political split among Palestinians.
Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade citing security concerns, restricting movement and goods into the Gaza strip. This blockade has contributed to severe humanitarian challenges and economic hardship.
Previous Peace Efforts and Ongoing Conflict
Several peace initiatives, such as the Oslo Accords (1993), sought to establish Palestinian autonomy but failed to resolve key issues.
Sporadic wars and escalations—including the Second Intifada (2000–2005), and recent Gaza wars—have caused significant civilian suffering and regional instability.
Recent Escalations
The conflict reignited sharply in October 2023, after Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, leading to extensive military operations and civilian casualties on both sides.
This precipitated international calls for ceasefires and renewed peace negotiations, culminating in the US-backed Gaza Peace Plan of 2025.
The Gaza Peace Plan, brokered by the US President, aims to free 20 surviving Israeli hostages in exchange for 1,700 Gaza detainees, with Egypt, Qatar and the UAE as guarantors-though Hamas has yet to agree.
The deal also outlines phased disarmament, humanitarian aid corridors and political transition arrangements in Gaza, marking the first major peace initiative since the October 7 attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and left over 66,000 Palestinians dead.
Objective: The Objective of the Gaza Peace Plan is to:
End active hostilities, secure the release of hostages,
Demilitarize militant structures in Gaza,
Enable large-scale humanitarian relief,
And lay groundwork for reconstruction and governance transition.
Sponsor and timing: This plan was formally unveiled at the end of September 2025 and packed up by the governments of such as Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, as well as international actors including France and the United Nations.
Current status : The swap of hostages and prisoners and Israeli troop repositioning are the markers of Phase 1 of the Gaza Peace Plan, a key step in the broader Gaza Peace Deal aimed at easing the Gaza Conflict. Its full implementation will depend on wider political acceptance and cooperation from Hamas and other crucial stakeholders.
The core provisions of this plan include the following key components :
Demilitarization: Hamas is required to surrender its weapons and give up armed rule in the Gaza strip. Members of Hamas will receive amnesty for peaceful coexistence or safe passage to countries like Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, and Iran, with no forced eviction of Gaza strip residents.
International Stabilization Force (ISF): A temporary multinational security force, led by the country with the most powerful military in the world : United States with regional partners, would enter Gaza to train a vetted local police force, secure borders and prevent re-arming. Israel has promised not to annex Gaza and will slowly pull back its troops as the Palestinian ISF takes over, while maintaining a safety buffer zone until the region is stable.
Transitional governance: An interim technocratic Palestinian administration: composed of non-partisan experts and overseen by an international "Board of Peace," to be chaired by US President Donald Trump himself. This body would manage civilian services and reconstruction. They would withdraw the supervision once a reformed Palestinian authority is ready to assume control.
Hostage-prisoner exchange: Once Israel accepts the deal, all hostages—both living and deceased-must be returned within 72 hours. In return, Israel will free 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023, including all women and children.
For the remains of those who have died, the agreement sets a 15:1 exchange ratio. With 48 hostages believed to still be held by Hamas, this deeply emotional issue continues to spark public protests across Israel.Regional partners and Guarantees: The Regional nations will guarantee the plan’s terms, with Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt on board. Even China and Russia have voiced support, showing wide international backing.
Humanitarian relief and reconstruction: Immediate large-scale humanitarian flows are to restart, with neutral international agencies managing distribution. Long-term rebuilding would involve international donors, possible special economic arrangements, and investment in housing, utilities, health and education.
Political acceptability: Major practical obstacles stem from resistance among armed factions and political leaders who see disarmament and foreign oversight as threats to sovereignty and influence. Many Palestinian groups, including hardline elements, have rejected externally imposed governance arrangements.
Enforcement and legitimacy: The plan’s enforcement hinges on ISF capabilities and continued backing from guarantor states. Without a clear UN mandate or a durable consensus among guarantors, authority could erode if commitments falter.
Legal and human-rights issues: Amnesty for combatants and swift political transitions raise questions about justice for victims and mechanisms for accountability. There are also fears of coercive displacement if demilitarization is coupled with population moves. Humanitarian law and protections for civilians must be central to any implementation phase.
Operational sequencing and timelines: Several milestones (hostage returns, phased withdrawals, police training) are time-bound in principle but vague in practice. Ambiguous triggers and open-ended benchmarks could either allow stalling or create security vacuums if transitions are rushed.
Regional and global reactions: Broad endorsement by several Arab and Muslim-majority states has given the plan diplomatic momentum, with countries offering to act as guarantors or mediators. Major powers have offered cautious support for a ceasefire and humanitarian measures, while some regional and international actors remain sceptical or opposed, particularly those not included in the core negotiating circle.
Immediate relief needs: The Peace plan prioritizes the availability of food, medicine, fuel and medical supplies via key crossings and neutral distribution mechanisms.The relief funds also focuses on emergency shelters, field hospitals, water purification and temporary infrastructure are urgent priorities to stem the humanitarian crisis.
Reconstruction scale: Rebuilding Gaza’s housing, utilities and public services might require tens of billions of dollars. There are plans to revive livelihoods through reconstruction projects and creating employment. It will be essential to reduce the risk of renewed radicalization.
Social reconciliation: Physical reconstruction must be matched by programs for social healing, trauma care and community reintegration. To make sure that the long term peace is not undermined, credible accountability, reparations or reintegration measures, are very essential.
The United Nations has played a pivotal role in the Gaza conflict, The attempts to mediate peace, deliver humanitarian aid, and protect civilians have been tireless.
Peace Mediation and Ceasefires: The UN has frequently tried to negotiate truce between Israel and Palestinian factions. To achieve this there have been facilitating diplomatic efforts to halt violence and encourage dialogue.
Humanitarian Aid: Agencies like the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) supported by providing vital support such as food, medical care, and education to millions in Gaza and Palestinian refugee camps, even amid ongoing conflict.
Neutral Coordination: The UN ensures that humanitarian aid reaches civilians fairly and coordinates with various international partners to maintain neutrality and prevent politicization of aid.
Challenges Faced: Despite its efforts, the UN faces hurdles like limited access during fighting, political disagreements within the Security Council, and difficulties enforcing ceasefires.
Diaspora and consular safety: Indians work in millions across West Asia and several thousand are resident or travelling through the region. A ceasefire and stable corridors would lower evacuation risks and ease diplomatic operations; conversely, renewed violence would demand rapid evacuation and emergency assistance measures.
Energy and trade security: Stability in the Levant and reduced regional tensions are likely to dampen oil price volatility and secure maritime routes. India’s energy imports and trade flows would benefit from lower risk premiums and fewer disruptions to key shipping lanes. The trade links like the IMEC corridor which have been facing the brunt of these conflicts will also function smoothly.
Diplomatic positioning: India will need to sustain its long-standing support for a two-state solution while maintaining a sustainable strategic and economic ties across the region. The plan offers New Delhi opportunities to coordinate humanitarian assistance with Gulf partners and the US without abandoning principled calls for Palestinian welfare and political rights. This maintains a diplomatic yet grounded position.
Strategic balance and regional dynamics: Pakistan’s visible endorsement of the initiative adds a new layer to regional diplomacy, prompting New Delhi to monitor whether such engagement signals deeper shifts in US-Pakistan ties or public diplomacy aimed at the Muslim world. India must also weigh reactions from Iran and other regional actors that may view the plan with scepticism.
India’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict reflects its long-standing commitment to international law, humanitarian concerns, and strategic interests in West Asia. India has been a consistent supporter of the Palestinian cause since the early years of its independence.
Early Recognition and Support: India was among the first non-Arab countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1974 as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Later, in 1988, India recognized the State of Palestine, underscoring its belief in Palestinian self-determination.
Advocacy for a Two-State Solution: India has persistently called for a peaceful and supported two-state solution, envisioning a sovereign, viable Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside Israel within secure and internationally recognized borders.
Strategic De-hyphenation: Over time, India has consciously moved away from linking its relations with Israel and Palestine as mutually exclusive. Instead, it pursues independent and parallel diplomatic engagements with both nations. This de-hyphenation policy helps safeguard India’s broader strategic and economic interests while continuing to uphold its moral support for Palestine.
Strategic Importance and Regional Stability: India’s engagement with both Israel and Palestine ensures its energy security, expands trade and economic relations across the Middle East, and contributes to stability in a geopolitically sensitive region. This balanced diplomacy underlines India's aspirations as a responsible global player advocating peace, development, and cooperation.
Q. Consider the following statements: (2023)
Statement-1: Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
Statement-II: The ‘Arab Peace Initiative’ mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-1.
Statement-1 is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
Statement-1 is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
Answer: (c)
Q. The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to: (2015)
Central Asia
Middle East
South-East Asia
Central Africa
Answer: (b)
The Gaza Peace Plan represents one of the most detailed external proposals to halt the Gaza war and begin reconstruction after years of conflict. It couples short-term measures hostage returns and ceasefire with ambitious medium-term objectives like demilitarization, international security deployment and a supervised political transition. Those objectives present powerful realities on the ground: entrenched armed groups, fragile institutions, acute humanitarian need and complex regional rivalries. For India, the plan is both an opportunity and a risk: a successful stabilization would reduce regional spillovers that harm energy, trade and diasporic welfare; a faltering plan could further complicate diplomatic balances and humanitarian obligations. Close monitoring, calibrated diplomatic engagement and readiness to support humanitarian and reconstruction efforts will shape how India navigates the unfolding situation.
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