A significant peace ceremony in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, unveiled the “Shamashek Agreement” — a comprehensive multi-phase roadmap designed to bring an end to the war in Gaza and lay the groundwork for lasting regional peace.
The plan, often referred to as President Trump’s “20-point plan,” is a three-phase roadmap for a permanent resolution to the conflict.
The “Shamashek agreement,” also referred to as the “Israel-Hamas Deal in Sharm El-Sheikh,” is a multi-stage roadmap for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange in Gaza, reached after two years of conflict. The agreement was finalized under the auspices of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, and based on a peace plan proposed by President Trump.
Here are the key terms and implementation timeline for the initial phase:
Initial Phase Implementation Timeline:
- Official Announcement and Approval: The agreement was officially announced on a Thursday, with the Israeli cabinet expected to approve the deal at 4 PM on the same day. Prisoner lists and first-phase withdrawal maps were to be published concurrently.
- Legal Appeals and Initial Withdrawal: On Friday, legal appeals concerning the agreement would begin in Israeli courts, and an initial Israeli withdrawal from designated areas in Gaza was set to commence by evening.
- Continued Withdrawal and Preparations for Exchange: On Saturday, the withdrawal from specified zones would continue, and Hamas would begin preparations for the exchange of prisoners and the handover of soldiers’ remains.
- Execution of Exchange Process: On Monday, the exchange process would be executed, supervised by Egypt, Qatar, the U.S., and Turkey. Israel would release Palestinian detainees and return the remains of fighters, including members of elite units. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel would release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
- Humanitarian Aid and Border Crossings: Border crossings would fully reopen, allowing 400 aid trucks daily, with projections for over 600 in subsequent days. Aid quantities are to be consistent with previous agreements, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), hospitals, and bakeries, and entry of equipment for rubble removal and road opening.
Broader Terms and Future Phases:
- Demilitarization of Gaza: Gaza’s reconstruction requires it to be demilitarized, with a new, honest civilian police force allowed to create safe conditions. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarization under the supervision of independent monitors, including decommissioning weapons and an internationally funded buy-back and reintegration program.
- Gaza’s Future Governance and Economy: Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly or indirectly. “New Gaza” will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and peaceful coexistence with its neighbors.
- Economic Zone: A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.
- No Forced Displacement: No one will be forced to leave Gaza; those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. People will be encouraged to stay and offered opportunities to build a better Gaza.
- Israeli Withdrawal: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization, to be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF (Israeli Security Forces), the guarantors, and the United States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat.
- Phase Two Negotiations: Following this initial phase, negotiations for Phase Two will commence, focusing on completing the withdrawal and securing a permanent ceasefire.
This agreement aims not only to end the war but also to open a new chapter of regional security, stability, and hope for the peoples of the region, defined by justice and stability.
Here is a breakdown of the phases:
Phase 1: Immediate Ceasefire and Humanitarian Actions
- Release of Hostages and Prisoners: All Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, are to be released within 72 hours. In exchange, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners. The exchange ratio is specified as 15 deceased Gazans for every Israeli hostage’s remains released.
- Troop Withdrawal: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw from specified populated areas in Gaza to a designated “yellow line.”
- Humanitarian Aid: Aid will immediately flow into Gaza, with at least 400 trucks per day, and potentially more in the coming days. This includes a focus on rebuilding critical infrastructure like water, electricity, and hospitals.
- Ceasefire: All military operations are to be suspended, and frontlines are frozen.
Phase 2: Demilitarization and Security Measures
- Further Israeli Withdrawal: Following the initial withdrawal, Israeli forces will retreat to a “red line,” further reducing their direct presence in Gaza.
- International Stabilization Force: A temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) composed of U.S., Arab, and European personnel will be deployed to oversee security and assist in training a new Palestinian police force.
- Disarmament of Hamas: This phase focuses on the destruction of all military and terror infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities. The plan envisions Gaza as a “de-radicalized, terror-free zone” where Hamas has no role in governance. Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence will be offered amnesty, while those who wish to leave will be given safe passage.
Phase 3: Governance and Reconstruction
- Transitional Governance: A transitional administration, led by Palestinian technocrats and supervised by an international body, will be established to manage daily governance and oversee the reconstruction of Gaza.
- Final Israeli Withdrawal: Israeli forces are to pull back to a “security buffer zone” along the border, with the goal of a full withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territory by a specified date.
- Reconstruction and Economic Development: Large-scale reconstruction will take place, funded by Arab and Islamic nations. A special economic zone may be established to help build a prosperous economy.
- Conditional Pathway to Statehood: The plan outlines a conditional pathway toward a Palestinian state, contingent on successful reconstruction and reforms. A dialogue will be initiated between Israel and the Palestinians to establish a political framework for peaceful coexistence.
The plan emphasizes that while there is no forced displacement, Palestinians will be encouraged to remain and offered opportunities to rebuild their communities. It is important to note that many questions remain about how the plan will be implemented, and whether all parties will fully comply with the terms.
Key individuals involved in the ceremony and mentioned in the speeches include:
- President Donald Trump: The American President, who is credited with proposing the peace plan and whose leadership is lauded for bringing the conflict to a halt. He received the Order of the Nile, Egypt’s highest state honor.
- President Sisi of Egypt: The host of the ceremony, thanked for his country’s efforts in the peace agreement and for generously hosting the event.
- The Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim: Acknowledged for his outstanding efforts and tremendous heart in the peace process.
- President Erdogan of Turkey: Thanked for his consistent support and involvement.
- His Royal Highness Crown Prince Muhammad of Saudi Arabia: A special friend of President Trump, recognized for his fantastic job for his country and valuable contributions to the peace process.
- His Highness Sheikh Muhammad of the United Arab Emirates: Mentioned as being “here in spirit” and for his incredible support.
- His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan: Thanked for being a great helper.
- Prime Minister Sharif of Pakistan: Present at the ceremony, with a representative speaking highly of President Trump’s efforts for peace in the region and for nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
- President Rabo of Indonesia: An “incredible man” who was present.
- President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority: Present at the ceremony.
- American Team: Including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Special Envoy Steve Whit, Jared Kushner (President Trump’s son-in-law), and Ivanka Trump (President Trump’s daughter), all thanked for their work on the agreement.