Rep. Panetta and Colleagues Call on President Trump to Fulfill the Gaza Peace Plan
Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and four of his House colleagues are calling on President Trump to take personal action to implement the security and reconstruction pillars of the 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza. Recent reporting indicates that there are serious obstacles to implementing the plan’s security and reconstruction pillars, including militarily-dismantling Hamas and surging humanitarian aid for Palestinians, making the President’s personal and timely engagement urgent.
The Members wrote, “The Peace Plan represents the most viable opportunity for necessary security, immediate relief, and long-term stability. The plan rightly recognizes that Hamas must be fully disarmed and play no role in governing Gaza, while calling for a technocratic transitional governing authority. It also prioritizes a surge of humanitarian aid to Palestinians that will be shielded from Hamas; includes a phased withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza based on security conditions; and includes the deployment of an International Stabilization Force.”
The Members continued to emphasize that the plan’s humanitarian and reconstruction components must be prioritized, stating “a prosperous and rebuilt Gaza would reduce instability, curbing the drivers of extremism, and promoting shared economic growth across the Eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, sustained reconstruction reduces humanitarian dependence on international aid, enabling local governance and private enterprise to take root, demonstrating key pillars of long-term security and regional prosperity.”
This letter was co-signed by Congressmen Jared Golden (D-ME), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and was endorsed by the Democratic Majority for Israel.
“DMFI is proud to support Rep. Panetta’s letter to President Trump urging him to stay relentlessly focused on implementing the 20-point Peace Plan, including the need to completely disarm Hamas and ensure the terrorist organization plays no role in governing Gaza. With the release of the living hostages and the ceasefire in place, we need strong, sustained American leadership to translate this plan into lasting security and stability. We commend Rep. Panetta for his leadership and his clear-eyed commitment to advancing peace and security for Israel and the rest of the region.”
The full text of the letter can be found below and here:
Dear President Trump,
We write to express our appreciation for your work on the 20-point Peace Plan for Gaza and request your continued leadership for its full implementation, with immediate prioritization of its security and reconstructions pillars. With the release of all living hostages from Gaza and a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the world has witnessed a moment of profound relief and renewed hope. The United States must take advantage of this moment to implement the plan, ensure Israel’s security, provide relief for innocent Palestinians, and create long-term stability for the region. Accordingly, we urge you to dedicate the full weight of American diplomacy to ensure that Hamas is disarmed and that Gaza is rebuilt as a foundation for implementing the 20-point Peace Plan.
The Peace Plan represents the most viable opportunity for necessary security, immediate relief, and long-term stability. The plan rightly recognizes that Hamas must be fully disarmed and play no role in governing Gaza, while calling for a technocratic transitional governing authority. It also prioritizes a surge of humanitarian aid to Palestinians that will be shielded from Hamas; includes a phased withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza based on security conditions; and includes the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF).
The core principles that underpin that Peace Plan, including security for Israel, reducing terrorist strongholds in Gaza, and prosperity for the people of Gaza, enjoy widespread international support. As your Administration has noted, key Arab and Muslim nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, have endorsed the plan. The Palestinian Authority also has indicated its willingness to cooperate. The United States must continue its good work and involvement to preserve and promote this unprecedented alignment of regional actors. The next phase of the Peace Plan will require your continued personal engagement in the region to hold Hamas accountable to its commitments and work closely with the international community, especially the Arab countries, to exert maximum pressure on Hamas to disarm and agree to the full plan.
Now is the time to prioritize both the security and reconstruction pillars of the Peace Plan. On a recent visit to Israel, Vice President JD Vance noted that the International Stabilization Force will take lead on disarming Hamas. The Administration must maintain oversight and leadership in the effort to disarm and dismantle Hamas and should not defer responsibility solely to the ISF, which has yet to be formed. While international cooperation is essential, the United States must remain fully engaged to ensure that the ISF’s operations align with U.S. security objectives, uphold accountability, and prevent any resurgence of extremist elements. This would not only neutralize immediate threats, but also constrain Iran’s ability to project influence through proxy groups in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
Central to the plan’s security provisions includes dismantling Hamas’ capabilities and establishing a multinational stabilization force, both of which would significantly reduce threats from Iran and their regional proxy groups. A comprehensive enforcement framework would bolster Israel’s long-term security and reinforce U.S. coordination with regional partners such as Jordan, Egypt, and the Gulf states. Importantly, fulfilling this engagement could usher regional stability and reduce the influence of Iran and its proxies.
The plan’s humanitarian and reconstruction components, which include ensuring aid access, rebuilding critical infrastructure, and creating a Gaza Special Economic Zone, would deliver tangible benefits to both Palestinians and the broader region. American participation in these reconstruction efforts could open markets for U.S. companies, expand trade corridors, and strengthen economic interdependence among our regional partners. A prosperous and rebuilt Gaza would reduce instability, curbing the drivers of extremism, and promoting shared economic growth across the Eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, sustained reconstruction reduces humanitarian dependence on international aid, enabling local governance and private enterprise to take root, demonstrating key pillars of long-term security and regional prosperity.
Success of the Peace Plan will depend on steady American engagement to translate its points into enforceable steps forward. If this is successful, the plan will provide a pathway to a more stable and prosperous Middle East. We must work together to ensure lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians and establish a region free from terror activities. We thank you, again, for your efforts, urge you to seize this moment, and look forward to working on this Peace Plan together.
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