Trump, Netanyahu announce 20-point plan to end Gaza war; Hamas reviewing terms

Washington: President Donald Trump on Monday unveiled a 20-point proposal, backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that he says could end the war in Gaza and secure the release of remaining hostages. The plan leans heavily on conditions Hamas has repeatedly rejected, but Trump and Netanyahu framed it as a last, best offer.

“If Hamas rejects your plan, Mr. President, or if they supposedly accept it and then do everything to counter it, then Israel will finish the job by itself,” Netanyahu declared after talks at the White House. “This can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done.”

Qatar’s prime minister and Egypt’s intelligence chief presented the proposal to Hamas negotiators, who are now reviewing it in “good faith,” according to a person familiar with the matter. The Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank welcomed the plan and pledged to implement its reforms. Governments of Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE also issued a joint statement applauding Trump’s initiative.

Despite the support, major challenges remain. The plan calls for Hamas to disarm — long considered a non-starter — and largely sidelines the Palestinian Authority until sweeping reforms are completed. It makes little mention of Palestinian statehood, widely seen as essential for lasting peace.

Trump’s blueprint would establish a temporary governing body chaired by Trump himself and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. A Palestinian technocrat committee would oversee civilian affairs before authority transitions to a reformed Palestinian Authority. Unlike an earlier Trump plan, this version does not require residents to leave Gaza.

The proposal demands that Hamas release all remaining hostages within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance. In exchange, Israel would free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including many serving life sentences.

“I think we are beyond very close,” Trump said. “We’re not quite finished. We have to get Hamas.”

Trump insisted Hamas has been severely weakened: “This is a different Hamas. Their leadership has been killed three times over. So you’re really dealing with different people.”

The president assured Netanyahu of “full backing” if Hamas rejects the deal. Netanyahu, meanwhile, sought to ease tensions with Qatar following a Sept. 9 Israeli strike on Hamas officials there that killed a Qatari serviceman. In a call during his White House meeting with Trump, Netanyahu expressed “deep regret” for violating Qatari sovereignty and vowed such an attack would not happen again.

“As a first step, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his deep regret that Israel’s missile strike against Hamas targets in Qatar unintentionally killed a Qatari serviceman,” the White House said. “He further expressed regret that, in targeting Hamas leadership during hostage negotiations, Israel violated Qatari sovereignty and affirmed that Israel will not conduct such an attack again in the future.”

The White House described the Netanyahu–Qatar conversation as a “heart-to-heart” exchange. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s prime minister, welcomed Netanyahu’s assurances and reaffirmed Qatar’s “readiness to continue contributing meaningfully to regional security and stability.”

Still, Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, defended the strike in a post on X, calling it “an important, just and ethical attack” and adding, “It is very good that it happened.”

The timing is delicate. Israel is increasingly isolated abroad and Netanyahu’s coalition at home appears fragile. The Trump plan further complicates Netanyahu’s balancing act with far-right partners who have pressed for Hamas’ total elimination and for annexation of the West Bank — an idea Trump publicly opposed last week.

According to the plan, Hamas members who “commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty.” Those wishing to leave Gaza would be granted safe passage to other countries.

Hamas is believed to be holding 48 hostages, with Israel estimating that 20 are still alive. The group has previously demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as part of any permanent truce.

Eight nations back Trump's Gaza peace plan

Eight Arab and Muslim nations on Tuesday issued a joint statement welcoming US President Donald Trump's proposals to end the Gaza conflict and prevent the displacement of Palestinians.

The foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt expressed confidence in US President Trump's "leadership and sincere efforts" to find a path to peace in the region.AP