Trump gambles big on Gaza with bold push for peace
New Delhi, Sep 30: US President Donald Trump has unveiled a 20-point peace proposal to end the war in Gaza, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally accepted.
Hamas, however, is reviewing it, and so far Hamas 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 demilitarised. 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.”
TRUMP GIVES HAMAS ‘3-4 DAYS’ TO ACCEPT GAZA PEACE PLAN
US President Donald Trump said Hamas has “three to four days” to respond to his 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict, reports international media. “We’re just waiting for Hamas,” Trump told reporters at the White House, adding that “all of the Arab countries, the Muslim countries are all signed up. Israel’s all signed up.” If Hamas rejects the deal, Trump warned, “it’s going to be a very sad end,” saying Israel would be free to “do what they have to do.” He did not elaborate further. The president said Hamas had “paid a big price,” claiming its leadership had been “killed three different times.” He reiterated that the US demand was “very simple—we want the hostages back.”
HAMAS REVIEWING PEACE PLAN
Hamas is said to be reviewing in “good faith” the 20-point peace plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump on Monday, raising cautious hopes of progress in the Gaza conflict. The proposal envisions an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces to an agreed line, the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. It also outlines a transitional government comprising Palestinian and international experts, overseen by a new international body called the Board of Peace, chaired by the US president and including global leaders such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. The 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.
PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY WELCOMES TRUMP PEACE EFFORTS
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan, describing his efforts as “sincere and determined,” the BBC reported, citing the PA’s WAFA news agency. In its statement, the PA pledged to work with the United States, regional states, and international partners “to end the war on Gaza through a comprehensive agreement that ensures the sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid, the release of hostages and prisoners, and the establishment of mechanisms to protect the Palestinian people.” The authority is also committed to political and institutional reforms once the conflict ends, including holding parliamentary and presidential elections within a year, revising the school curriculum, and creating a new security force. “We have affirmed our desire for a modern, democratic, and non-militarised Palestinian state, committed to pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power,” the statement said.
WHAT IS THE 20-POINT PEACE PLAN?
US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and under review by Hamas, lays out a detailed framework for ending the conflict, rebuilding Gaza, and setting the stage for a possible Palestinian statehood.
Core Provisions of the Plan
Ceasefire and Withdrawal: Immediate end to hostilities once both sides agree. Israeli forces would withdraw to an agreed line, halting air and ground operations.
Hostage and Prisoner Exchange: All Israeli hostages—alive or deceased—returned within 72 hours. In exchange, Israel to release over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, and return remains on a proportional basis.
Aid and Reconstruction: Surge of humanitarian aid, infrastructure repair, and hospital rehabilitation under UN and international supervision, with distribution free from interference.
Governance Transition: Gaza to be run temporarily by a technocratic Palestinian committee with international experts, overseen by a new Board of Peace chaired by Trump, with global leaders including Tony Blair. The Palestinian Authority (PA) could eventually reassume control after reforms.
Economic Revival: A special economic zone, investment panels, and international funding to create jobs and opportunities for Gazans. Safe exit or reintegration options are offered to Hamas members who renounce violence.
Demilitarisation and Security: All Hamas and factional military infrastructure to be dismantled, with weapons decommissioned. An International Stabilisation Force (ISF), supported by Arab states, will train Palestinian police and secure borders with Israel and Egypt. Israel will not annex Gaza but will retain a temporary security perimeter until stability is ensured.
Regional and Global Oversight: Guarantees from Arab partners to enforce compliance. US-led efforts to ensure demilitarisation milestones are met before full Israeli withdrawal.
Social and Political Horizon: Interfaith dialogue programmes to promote coexistence. If PA reforms succeed and Gaza stabilises, conditions would be created for Palestinian self-determination and statehood, with US-brokered talks on a political settlement.
The plan emphasises that ‘New Gaza’ should be free of terror, rebuilt for its people, and integrated into a framework of peaceful coexistence. While Israel has endorsed the proposal, Hamas is reviewing it “in good faith.”
The international community has broadly welcomed the plan, though challenges remain in its implementation.
