Trump Unveils Comprehensive Plan to End Gaza War; India Extends Strong Support

External Affairs

Trump Unveils Comprehensive Plan to End Gaza War

New Delhi |Oct 01, 2025 | www.externalaffairs.in

The U.S. President Donald J. Trump has announced a sweeping 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict, positioning himself at the center of one of the world’s most entrenched crises. The “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict” combines demilitarization, humanitarian relief, transitional governance, economic reconstruction, and international guarantees aimed at delivering what Trump calls a “New Gaza” – peaceful, prosperous, and terror-free.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly welcomed the plan, hailing it as a “viable pathway” for long-term and sustainable peace, not only for Israelis and Palestinians but also for the wider West Asian region. Writing on X, Modi said, “We welcome President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. It provides a viable pathway to long term and sustainable peace, security and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region. We hope that all concerned will come together behind President Trump’s initiative and support this effort to end conflict and secure peace.”

Key Elements of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

Trump’s proposal is structured around a staged ceasefire, hostage-prisoner exchange, and the establishment of a new transitional governance mechanism under an internationally supervised “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump himself, alongside global leaders like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Some of the most significant provisions include:

  • Immediate Ceasefire and Hostage Release: Israel would halt all military operations once the plan is accepted, with hostages released within 72 hours. In return, Israel would release thousands of Palestinian prisoners, including women and children detained after October 7, 2023.
  • Amnesty and Reintegration for Hamas Members: Hamas fighters who renounce violence and disarm would be granted amnesty or safe passage, while Gaza would undergo complete demilitarization monitored by international observers.
  • Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction: Full-scale aid would flow into Gaza, rebuilding hospitals, bakeries, water and electricity networks, with distribution overseen by the UN, Red Crescent, and neutral international institutions.
  • Transitional Governance and Oversight: A technocratic Palestinian committee, with international experts, would administer Gaza under supervision of the Board of Peace until the Palestinian Authority (PA) is reformed enough to take control.
  • Economic Development and Special Economic Zone: A “Trump Economic Development Plan” envisions creating jobs and attracting global investment through special tariff preferences, modeled on successful Gulf economic hubs.
  • International Stabilization Force (ISF): A multinational security force, backed by Arab and international partners, would train Palestinian police, monitor demilitarization, and ensure secure borders in coordination with Israel and Egypt.
  • Guarantees Against Terror: Regional guarantors would ensure Hamas and other groups comply, while Israel commits not to annex Gaza and withdraws as security conditions are met.
  • Interfaith Dialogue and Political Horizon: To reshape narratives of hostility, interfaith dialogue initiatives would be launched, with eventual conditions for Palestinian self-determination and statehood once PA reforms are credible.

India’s Position: Strategic Support for Peace and Stability

India’s endorsement of the Trump plan reflects New Delhi’s balancing act in West Asia. While historically supportive of the Palestinian cause, India has deepened its ties with Israel in defense, technology, and counterterrorism cooperation, while also maintaining strong partnerships with Gulf Arab states.

By backing Trump’s plan, India signals three key priorities:

  1. Support for a Two-State Framework – While carefully worded, Modi’s statement underscores India’s belief that Palestinian statehood and self-determination remain essential for long-term peace.
  2. Regional Stability for Energy Security – With millions of Indians living and working in West Asia, and the region being vital for India’s oil imports, New Delhi has a direct stake in ending prolonged instability.
  3. Strategic Alignment with the U.S. – Modi’s support highlights India’s convergence with Washington on major geopolitical issues, even as the U.S. shifts under Trump’s renewed influence.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its ambitious scope, Trump’s plan faces formidable obstacles:

  • Hamas Acceptance – The group’s willingness to surrender weapons, disband military infrastructure, and exit governance structures is highly uncertain.
  • Israeli Politics – With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court, domestic pressures could hinder Israel’s buy-in.
  • International Legitimacy – The plan is heavily centered around Trump and his proposed “Board of Peace,” raising questions about neutrality, sustainability, and legitimacy.
  • Regional Dynamics – Arab states, particularly Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, will play crucial roles in determining whether the plan can succeed.

President Trump’s plan represents one of the most comprehensive and unconventional attempts to resolve the Gaza conflict in decades. Its mix of hard security guarantees, prisoner exchanges, transitional governance, and ambitious economic revival reflects Trump’s transactional but deal-driven approach.

India’s early endorsement positions New Delhi as a constructive supporter of peace in West Asia, reinforcing its role as a voice for stability and development in the Global South. Whether the plan can overcome entrenched mistrust, spoilers, and the scars of prolonged violence remains uncertain, but its announcement has undeniably reshaped the diplomatic debate on Gaza.

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