Israel accepts Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan; Hamas yet to respond

New Delhi, Sept 30: International media, including BBC, reported that US President Donald Trump has unveiled a sweeping 20-point peace proposal to end the war in Gaza, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally accepted. Hamas, however, so far has not agreed to the plan yet leaving its future still uncertain even as regional and European leaders voiced cautious support.

The proposal, shaped with input from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and other partners, begins with an immediate cessation of hostilities and a freeze on current battle lines.

Within 72 hours, Hamas would be required to lay down its arms, surrender offensive weaponry, and release 20 living Israeli hostages along with the remains of more than two dozen others. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of detained Palestinians. The plan also guarantees “full and immediate” humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza once both sides agree, reports BBC and international media.

Trump described the deal as “a historic day for peace,” declaring that “Hamas will be disarmed. Gaza will be de-militarised. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza.” He said Israeli forces would withdraw in phases, while a temporary civilian administration would govern the enclave. That body, according to the proposal, would be an “apolitical, technocratic Palestinian committee” overseen by a new international “Board of Peace,” headed by Trump himself and including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair among other leaders.

The US plan also outlines a long-term “economic development programme” to rebuild Gaza and “integrate it into a peaceful Palestinian future,” leaving open the prospect of a two-state solution. Hamas, however, would be excluded from governance “in any form—directly or indirectly, reports BBC.”

Regional and International Reaction

Foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar and Egypt issued a joint statement—also signed by Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia—welcoming Trump’s “sincere efforts” to end the war, rebuild Gaza and prevent the displacement of Palestinians. They praised the rejection of West Bank annexation and said they would engage “constructively” in finalising the plan. “A just peace based on the two-state solution” and the integration of Gaza with the West Bank remain their stated goals, reports BBC.

In Europe, the plan drew strong endorsements. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Hamas to accept the deal, saying “the misery can only end if arms are laid down and all hostages released.” French President Emmanuel Macron called the plan a “serious basis for peace” and offered France’s support in implementation. European Council President Antonio Costa described himself as “encouraged by Netanyahu’s positive response” and said the moment must be seized “to give peace a genuine chance,” reports BBC.

Gaza Strikes Continue

Despite diplomatic manoeuvring, the fighting has not yet ceased. More than 35 people were killed in Israeli air strikes and gunfire this weekend. The Israeli military confirmed hitting 120 targets since Friday, describing them as “terror sites and operatives.” The offensive is now concentrated around Gaza City, where Israel insists Hamas retains its last major stronghold. The humanitarian crisis is acute: famine has been confirmed by a UN-backed body, hundreds of thousands have fled, and vital services are collapsing.

The Road Ahead

Trump said the plan is “beyond very close” to becoming a deal, following his talks with Netanyahu in Washington. But much hinges on Hamas’s response. BBC reported that Qatari and Egyptian officials handed the White House proposal to Hamas leaders in Doha.

If Hamas rejects or fails to comply, Netanyahu warned that Israel would “finish the job,” while Trump assured that Netanyahu would have full US backing “to do what he has to do.” For now, the world waits on Hamas’s decision—between agreeing to disarm and release hostages under international oversight, or risking further devastation in a war already measured in tens of thousands of lives.