Israel, Hamas exchange hostages and prisoners - What’s next in Trump’s peace plan?

Hamas has released 20 living hostages it had been holding in Gaza, while Israel freed about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange follows the conditions of a ceasefire deal outlined in U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan. All but one of the released hostages were among the 251 people abducted during Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023  an assault that left about 1,200 people dead. Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza that has since killed more than 67,000 people, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry. On Monday morning, Hamas handed ov

Hamas has released 20 living hostages it had been holding in Gaza, while Israel freed about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange follows the conditions of a ceasefire deal outlined in U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan. All but one of the released hostages were among the 251 people abducted during Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023  an assault that left about 1,200 people dead. Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza that has since killed more than 67,000 people, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry. On Monday morning, Hamas handed over the hostages in two groups to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). A copy of the ceasefire agreement published by Israeli media states that the remains of all deceased hostages must also be handed over by 12:00 local time (09:00 GMT) on Monday. However, it acknowledges that Hamas and other Palestinian factions may not be able to locate all remains within that timeframe. An Israeli official said an international task force would begin work to locate the remains of anyone not returned. In exchange, Israel agreed to release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,718 detainees from Gaza, including 15 minors. Next Steps Under the Trump Peace Plan Under the first phase of Trump’s peace plan, Israeli troops have withdrawn to a line that leaves them controlling 53% of Gaza. The plan envisions three stages of Israeli withdrawal. A multinational force of about 200 troops  supervised by the U.S. military will monitor the ceasefire. The force reportedly includes personnel from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. U.S. officials emphasized that no American troops will be deployed on the ground in Gaza.   Once all hostages are released, Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and agree to disarm will receive amnesty. Those who wish to leave Gaza will be granted safe passage to receiving countries. Humanitarian aid will be sent immediately into Gaza, including materials for rebuilding infrastructure such as water, electricity, and hospitals. The distribution of aid will be managed by the United Nations, the Red Crescent, and other neutral international organizations. The Rafah crossing will operate under the same mechanism established in the January 19, 2025 agreement. Gaza will temporarily be governed by a technocratic Palestinian committee responsible for managing public services. This committee will include qualified Palestinians and international experts, under the supervision of an international transitional body known as the ‘Board of Peace’. The board will be chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of state to be announced, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. It will oversee the redevelopment of Gaza until the Palestinian Authority completes its reform program and is ready to resume governance. An economic development plan will also be introduced to rebuild Gaza and attract investment. A special economic zone will be established with preferential trade terms negotiated with participating countries. No one will be forced to leave Gaza; residents will be free to stay, leave, or return. Hamas and other factions will have no role in Gaza’s governance, and all military and offensive infrastructure will be dismantled under international supervision. A buyback and reintegration program will ensure the permanent removal of weapons. Regional partners will guarantee compliance with the agreement to ensure Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors. The United States, in coordination with Arab and international partners, will also create a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to train and support vetted Palestinian police. The ISF will help secure Gaza’s borders with the assistance of Israel and Egypt, preventing weapons smuggling and ensuring the safe flow of goods. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will gradually transfer control of occupied areas to the ISF based on agreed security milestones. A limited IDF presence will remain along a security perimeter until Gaza is fully secure from terror threats. If Hamas delays or rejects the proposal, the plan and aid operations will continue in areas already cleared of militant activity. An interfaith dialogue will also be launched to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis. As reconstruction progresses and Palestinian reforms take effect, the plan envisions creating the conditions for a credible path toward Palestinian self-determination and eventual statehood. The United States will facilitate dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to outline a political roadmap for lasting peace and prosperity.