Why in news?

US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict”, marking one of the most ambitious peace initiatives as the war nears its second anniversary.

The plan, prepared over eight months, was announced following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington. While it outlines measures with significant implications for the Middle East, Trump’s political standing, and India’s interests, its future remains uncertain as Hamas has not yet accepted the proposal.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Broad Contours of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan
• India’s Stand on Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan
• What the Gaza Peace Plan Means for India?

Broad Contours of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

• US President Donald Trump’s 20-point “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict” lays out ambitious measures to end hostilities, ensure security, and rebuild Gaza.
• The war in Gaza has left more than 66,000 people dead, after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas killed 1,200 people and led to about 250 people being taken hostage.
• Hamas Disarmament and Safe Passage
  • The plan’s most critical element requires Hamas to surrender and disarm.
  • Members committing to peaceful coexistence will be granted amnesty, while those unwilling can leave Gaza with safe passage to countries like Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, or Iran.
  • Given Hamas’s two-decade rule and history of armed conflict, this is seen as the plan’s toughest hurdle.
• International Stabilization Force (ISF)
  • A temporary ISF, backed by the US and Arab partners, will be deployed in Gaza.
  • Its role includes training vetted Palestinian police, stopping arms inflow, and facilitating aid and goods movement.
  • Israel has pledged not to annex Gaza and will gradually withdraw its forces as the ISF establishes control, though it plans to retain a security buffer zone until stability is ensured.
• Governance and Transitional Authority
  • Gaza will be run by a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, with oversight from an international Board of Peace led by Trump, alongside other leaders, including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
  • This arrangement aims to provide neutral governance and oversee reconstruction, though Blair’s inclusion has drawn skepticism given his controversial Iraq War legacy.
• Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction
  • The plan permits the resumption of large-scale humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of water, electricity, sewage, and healthcare systems.
  • Aid distribution will be overseen by the UN, Red Crescent, and international agencies, ensuring transparent and interference-free relief for Gaza’s population.
• Hostage-Prisoner Exchange
  • Within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance, all hostages — alive and deceased — must be returned.
  • In exchange, Israel will release 250 prisoners serving life terms and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023, including all women and children.
  • The deal also covers a 15:1 exchange ratio for remains of deceased hostages and Gazans.
  • With 48 hostages still held by Hamas, this remains a sensitive issue fueling public protests in Israel.
• Regional and Global Guarantees
  • The plan ensures compliance through guarantees from regional partners. Eight nations — Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt — have welcomed the proposal.
  • Major powers like China and Russia have also expressed support, indicating broad international backing.

India’s Stand on Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

• PM Modi welcomed Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, calling it a “viable pathway” to long-term peace, security, and development for Palestinians, Israelis, and the wider West Asian region.
• India views West Asia as part of its extended neighbourhood, with deep ties to Israel, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
• PM Modi’s endorsement, despite ongoing India-US frictions, is seen as a positive diplomatic gesture, acknowledging Trump’s role as peacemaker and aligning India with efforts to stabilise the region for its strategic and economic interests.

What the Gaza Peace Plan Means for India?

• Trump’s Gaza peace proposal carries direct implications for India’s diaspora, economy, energy security, and strategic standing in the Middle East.
• While peace could open opportunities, some geopolitical concerns remain.
• Impact on Indian Diaspora
  • Nearly 90 lakh Indians live in the wider Middle East, including 18,000 in Israel and up to 10,000 in Iran.
  • Stability in the region is critical for their safety and well-being.
• Energy Security and Trade
  • India sources 80% of its crude oil from the Middle East. Any reduction in regional tensions can stabilise energy prices, directly benefiting India’s economy.
  • Moreover, peace may encourage greater Arab investment in India and accelerate initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which New Delhi sees as a game-changing connectivity project.
• Strategic Concerns: Pakistan’s Role
  • A worrying element for New Delhi is the visible involvement of Pakistan in the peace process.
  • Trump publicly thanked leaders from Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, noting Pakistan’s Prime Minister and field marshal were engaged from the beginning.
  • This revived US-Pakistan engagement could complicate India’s regional strategy and tilt diplomatic equations in ways unfavourable to New Delhi.