US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have unveiled a new peace plan for Gaza, urging Hamas to accept the terms or face continued military action.
The proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire, with Hamas required to release 20 Israeli hostages alive and return the remains of more than two dozen others believed dead within 72 hours. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
According to Palestinian sources, the 20-point plan presented by the White House demands that Hamas play no role in governing Gaza, while leaving open the possibility of a future Palestinian state.
Speaking at a White House press conference, Trump hailed the initiative as “a historic day for peace,” but warned that if Hamas refuses, the US will support Israel in “finishing the job of destroying Hamas.” Netanyahu echoed the warning, pledging that Israel would “finish the job” if Hamas rejects or violates the agreement.
The Palestinian Authority welcomed the US move as “sincere and determined,” stating its readiness to work with Washington and regional partners to end the war, deliver humanitarian aid, and secure the release of prisoners and hostages.
The plan includes freezing current battle lines, requiring Hamas to dismantle its military infrastructure, and allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza immediately. Governance would be temporarily overseen by a “technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee” under an international body called the Board of Peace, headed by Trump. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has been named as a member of the board, calling the plan “bold and intelligent.”
International leaders including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, European Council President Antonio Costa, and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support, with Macron highlighting the need to work toward a lasting two-state solution.
The proposal also states that Israel will not annex Gaza and will withdraw its forces in stages. Palestinians would not be forced to leave the territory, with Trump saying the plan aims to “encourage people to stay and build a better Gaza.”
Hamas officials have indicated they are open to reviewing proposals but insist that any agreement must ensure full Israeli withdrawal, protect Palestinian rights, and guarantee the possibility of statehood along 1967 borders.
The announcement follows Netanyahu’s combative speech at the UN General Assembly, where he condemned Western recognition of a Palestinian state, prompting a walkout by dozens of diplomats.
The conflict began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken. Since then, more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN has confirmed famine conditions in Gaza City, and a UN inquiry recently accused Israel of committing genocide — a charge Israel rejects.
