Trump's Gaza Peace Plan: Netanyahu Backs Proposal, Hamas Hesitant
In a joint press conference held at the White House on September 29, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced a new peace plan for Gaza, securing the backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The proposal aims to end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, but its success hinges on Hamas's acceptance. The plan includes a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The Details of the Gaza Peace Plan
The 20-point plan unveiled by President Trump calls for several key actions. It requires an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. It also mandates the disarmament of Hamas and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. A post-war transitional authority, potentially headed by Trump himself, is also proposed.
- Ceasefire and Hostage Release within 72 Hours
- Disarmament of Hamas
- Gradual Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza
- Establishment of a Transitional Authority
Netanyahu expressed his support for the plan, stating, "I support your plan to end the war in Gaza which achieves our war aims." He warned that if Hamas rejects the proposal or attempts to undermine it, Israel would "finish the job" independently, with the "full backing" of the United States.
International Reaction and Hamas's Response
The announcement of Trump's peace plan sparked swift reactions globally. Several key Arab and Muslim nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan, voiced support. European allies such as France, the UK, Germany, and Italy also expressed their backing. The European Union chief, Antonio Costa, urged all parties to seize the opportunity for peace.
However, uncertainty remains. While Hamas has not officially received the full plan, reports indicate that Qatari and Egyptian mediators have shared the proposal with the group. A Hamas official told Reuters they would review it "in good faith" and then respond. Meanwhile, residents in Gaza expressed skepticism about the plan's ability to end the war. Some consider the proposal a "farce."
Potential Challenges and Pitfalls
The peace plan presents several challenges for both Hamas and Israel. For Hamas, it requires complete disarmament and exclusion from future government roles. While those who agree to "peaceful co-existence" would be granted amnesty, this condition may prove difficult for the group to accept.
Netanyahu also faces potential obstacles, particularly from far-right members of his cabinet. While he stressed that Israeli forces would retain security responsibilities in Gaza "for the foreseeable future," Trump's plan leaves room for Palestinian statehood – a prospect that Netanyahu has historically opposed. The question about the Palestinian state in the end, which PM Netanyahu promised never to happen, is one of the main points that hinder PM Netanyahu's acceptance of President Trump's initiative
Furthermore, the plan envisions a limited role for the Palestinian Authority and the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee overseen by an international "peace council" chaired by President Trump.
| Key Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Ceasefire | Immediate cessation of hostilities. |
| Hostage Exchange | Release of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners. |
| Hamas Disarmament | Complete disarmament of the militant group. |
| Israeli Withdrawal | Gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. |
| Transitional Authority | Establishment of a post-war government. |
