US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have announced agreement on a new peace plan for Gaza, warning that Hamas must comply with its terms.
The proposal, outlined by the White House and shared with Hamas officials through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, calls for an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza. Within 72 hours of implementation, Hamas would be required to release more than 20 living Israeli hostages along with the remains of several dozen others, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
According to the 20-point plan, Hamas would surrender its weapons, dismantle its tunnel networks, and halt arms production. In return, Israel would gradually withdraw its forces from Gaza without annexing or occupying the territory. Each Israeli hostage’s remains would be exchanged for the bodies of 15 Palestinians killed in the conflict. The plan also guarantees immediate large-scale humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
Under the proposed framework, Hamas would have no role in governing Gaza. Instead, a temporary, non-political technocratic Palestinian committee would administer the territory under the supervision of a new international body called the Board of Peace, led by President Trump. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair would play a key role in the initiative.
“This is a historic day for peace,” Trump said at a press conference, stressing that if Hamas refuses the plan, Netanyahu would continue to receive full US support to “finish the job” of eliminating the group. Netanyahu echoed the warning, vowing Israel would act decisively if Hamas rejects the deal.
The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, described the US initiative as “sincere” and reaffirmed its commitment to work with the US, regional partners, and international actors to end the war, ensure humanitarian relief, and secure the release of hostages and prisoners.
European leaders welcomed the plan. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Hamas to accept it, saying, “It is time to end the suffering by surrendering weapons and freeing all hostages.” European Council President António Costa called Netanyahu’s positive response “encouraging,” while French President Emmanuel Macron pledged France’s support in facilitating the deal.
The plan emphasizes reconstruction and economic development in Gaza, with the US pledging investment to “build a better Gaza” for its residents. Trump, shifting from earlier statements, clarified that Palestinians would not be forced to leave Gaza. Instead, the plan is framed as opening the door to an eventual Palestinian state.
The announcement comes shortly after Netanyahu criticized several Western countries for recognizing Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly. While Trump has consistently supported Netanyahu since returning to office, he recently expressed frustration over Israeli strikes targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar. Netanyahu later apologized to Qatar’s prime minister for the incident.
The backdrop to the peace initiative is the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken into Gaza. In response, Israel’s military offensive has killed at least 66,000 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. UN-backed agencies have also warned of imminent famine in the enclave.
Despite widespread international criticism—including a UN commission accusing Israel of committing genocide, a charge Israel rejects—Trump insisted his plan represents the “only viable path” toward ending the bloodshed and building the foundations for peace.
