In a significant development for Middle East diplomacy, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have announced a new peace plan for Gaza. The leaders stated they have reached an agreement and have issued a strong call for Hamas to accept the proposed terms. The plan aims to initiate an immediate cessation of military operations, contingent upon Hamas releasing 20 living Israeli hostages and the remains of more than two dozen deceased hostages within 72 hours. In return, hundreds of Palestinian detainees would be released.
A source close to the ceasefire negotiations confirmed that Hamas has received the White House’s detailed 20-point proposal. Key elements of the plan include a stipulation that Hamas will have no role in the future governance of Gaza, while also keeping the possibility of an eventual Palestinian state open.
Speaking at a press conference following their discussions at the White House, President Trump hailed the agreement as “a historic day for peace.” He further emphasized that the US would support Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions should Hamas fail to comply with the plan.
Prime Minister Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, stating that Israel “will finish the job” if Hamas rejects or fails to adhere to the agreement. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the initiative, calling on all parties to work towards its finalization and urging Hamas to accept the plan, lay down arms, and release all remaining hostages.
The proposed framework begins with an immediate halt to all military activities. Existing “battle lines” would be maintained until conditions are met for a phased withdrawal of forces. The plan mandates that Hamas must disarm, and its tunnels and weapons manufacturing facilities are to be destroyed.
The exchange of hostages for prisoners is detailed, with Israel releasing hundreds of Gazan detainees for every Israeli hostage whose remains are returned, and for every living hostage released, Israel will free 15 dead Gazans. The plan also promises the immediate delivery of full aid into the Gaza Strip once both sides agree to the terms.
Regarding the future administration of Gaza, the US proposal outlines the establishment of a “technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee” to govern temporarily. This committee would operate under the oversight of a new international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” to be headed by President Trump, with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and other leaders to be announced as members. Blair has described the plan as “bold and intelligent.” The plan explicitly states Hamas must not be involved in governance in any capacity.
In a notable shift from previous statements, the plan addresses the relocation of Palestinians, stating, “We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.” It also leaves the door open for the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state.
Hamas officials, meanwhile, have indicated they are open to reviewing any proposal that could lead to an end to the conflict, but stressed that any agreement must prioritize Palestinian interests, ensure a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and definitively end the war. Regarding their arsenal, a senior Hamas official stated that “the weapons of the resistance are a red line as long as the occupation continues,” adding that arms issues could only be discussed within a political framework guaranteeing an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.