Trump's Gaza Peace Plan Faces Scrutiny as Casualties Mount
A new peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the nearly two-year war in Gaza is facing scrutiny and requires further discussion, according to Qatar, a key mediator in the region. This comes as Israeli forces reportedly killed at least 36 Palestinians in Gaza on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, according to local hospitals. The plan's details and potential implications for the region are sparking mixed reactions from all parties involved.
Arab Nations' Concerns
Qatar's announcement reflects some discontent among Arab countries regarding the 20-point peace plan. Three Arab officials, speaking anonymously, told the Associated Press that changes had been made to the original proposal, favoring Israel. Despite continued broad support for the plan, these officials indicated they might seek further negotiations on specific terms. Arab mediators and Turkish officials are scheduled to meet with Hamas representatives in Doha to discuss the plan.
- The plan requires Hamas to release hostages, leave power in Gaza, and disarm.
- In return, the plan offers the release of Palestinian prisoners and an end to fighting.
- Humanitarian aid and reconstruction are guaranteed, but the plan doesn't outline a path to Palestinian statehood.
For the foreseeable future, Gaza would be under international governance through a "Board of Peace," headed by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Qatar's Perspective
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated that the proposed 20 points "require detailed discussion." He specifically mentioned the issue of Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza as requiring clarification. The plan's text indicates that Israeli troops would withdraw only when an international security force is able to replace them, with Israel retaining control over a band of territory around Gaza's perimeter.
"This is not what we agreed on. This is the Netanyahu plan." - Anonymous Arab Official
Several countries, including Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, are seeking a final version of the plan that includes a "full Israeli withdrawal" and a clear path to a Palestinian state integrating the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
Palestinian Skepticism and Israeli Hostages
Many Palestinians are wary of the proposal, with some seeing international governance as reminiscent of the colonial British Mandate. Some believe it favors Israel and imposes demands without concessions. Conversely, families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas are experiencing a mix of hope and skepticism, given past disappointments. The plan stipulates that 48 hostages held by Hamas would be freed within 72 hours of both sides accepting the deal.
Escalating Violence in Gaza
Amidst these diplomatic efforts, violence continues in the Gaza Strip. Israeli troops reportedly killed 17 Palestinians attempting to access humanitarian aid in central Gaza. Additional Israeli strikes in central and southern Gaza resulted in 19 more fatalities, according to local hospitals. These strikes impacted families and civilians, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The Israeli military claims to have killed several armed militants and struck numerous Hamas targets, including weapons storage facilities.
Overwhelmed Hospitals and Humanitarian Crisis
Hospitals in southern Gaza are struggling to cope with a surge of displaced wounded and sick Palestinians fleeing Gaza City. Approximately 450,000 people have been displaced from the north since mid-August, and hundreds of thousands remain in Gaza City, where famine has been declared. Dr. Paul Ransom reported that the facilities are already overwhelmed due to lack of material and medications. The UK-Med-operated field hospital is expanding its capacity to try and accommodate the influx of wounded and malnourished patients.
Casualty Figures and Historical Context
Israel’s campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 66,000 Palestinian deaths and nearly 170,000 injuries, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The conflict was triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 250 others. The complexities of the situation underscore the challenges of achieving a lasting peace in the region.
