21-Point Plan of US for Establishing Palestinian State and Peace in Gaza

The United States has presented a 21-point plan to end the Gaza war that includes releasing all hostages within 48 hours, amnesty for Hamas members committing to peace and a potential pathway to Palestinian statehood, according to documents obtained by Israeli media outlet The Times of Israel.

The proposal, primarily crafted by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and shared with Arab and Muslim countries at the U.N. General Assembly this week, marks a significant evolution in the Trump administration's approach to the conflict.

The plan explicitly encourages Palestinians to remain in Gaza and envisions a pathway to a future Palestinian state after Gaza's redevelopment and Palestinian Authority reform—departing from Trump's February remarks about the U.S. taking over Gaza and permanently relocating its population.

"Intense negotiations have been going on for four days and will continue for as long as necessary to get a successfully completed agreement," U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Friday.

"All of the countries within the region are involved, Hamas is very much aware of these discussions, and Israel has been informed at all levels, including Prime Minister Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu," he added.

Key elements of the 21-point plan

According to the authenticated document, the proposal includes:

Immediate actions:

• War ends immediately upon agreement, with Israeli forces halting operations and gradually withdrawing
• All living and deceased hostages returned within 48 hours of Israel accepting the deal
• Release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and over 1,000 Gazans arrested since the war began
• Hamas members committing to peaceful coexistence granted amnesty; those wishing to leave given safe passage

Governance and security:

• Gaza is governed by temporary Palestinian technocrats supervised by a new U.S.-established international body
• Hamas is excluded from any governance role
• An international stabilization force to deploy immediately, developing and training the Palestinian police
• Israel commits not to occupy or annex Gaza

Long-term vision:

• An economic zone was established with reduced tariffs
• No forced displacement; Gazans encouraged to remain and rebuild
• Process established to "de-radicalize the population" through interfaith dialogue
• When conditions are met, a "credible pathway to Palestinian statehood" is possible
• U.S. to establish Israeli-Palestinian dialogue for "a political horizon for peaceful coexistence"

Israeli and Arab reactions

Israeli sources indicate Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer have raised objections to several clauses during meetings with Witkoff and Jared Kushner in New York.

"The Americans are very mobilized; for them, this is money time. They are fully committed to ending the war and returning the hostages," an Israeli official said.

Another Israeli source noted, "We are at a decisive moment, but everything is so fragile, and there are so many unpredictable factors in the process that it's hard to guarantee success."

Arab leaders generally support the proposal, despite not viewing it as perfect, according to earlier CNN reports, which cited sources familiar with the discussions. They prioritize ending the fighting as quickly as possible.

Upcoming Netanyahu-Trump meeting

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump on Sept. 29 (Monday), where the U.S. president is expected to push for agreement on the plan.

The Israeli prime minister is also set to meet UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed regarding the post-war Gaza arrangement, as the UAE is expected to contribute forces to the temporary governance mechanism.

"There is more eagerness and goodwill to reach a deal, after so many decades, than I have ever seen before," Trump wrote, adding, "We must get the Hostages back, and get a PERMANENT AND LONGLASTING PEACE!"

The proposal remains light on certain details, with subsequent negotiations likely necessary even if both sides agree to the framework.