Washington,USA – September 30, 2025

A Historic Day: Trump Unveils Gaza Peace Plan, Putting Final Decision on Ceasefire Squarely on Hamas

In a potentially momentous development for the future of the Middle East, a comprehensive US-Israel Gaza Peace Plan has been formally agreed upon by President Donald J. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The announcement, made at the White House on Monday, saw President Trump publicly thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for his government’s acceptance of the far-reaching 20-point proposal and issue a stark warning to Hamas to accept the terms or face the consequences of continued conflict with the full backing of the United States.

This landmark agreement centers on a dramatic exchange of hostages and prisoners, the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of an international transitional government. The introduction of this significant plan marks an exciting new stage in efforts to end the prolonged war and establishes a clear path forward, contingent only on the final, crucial step: Hamas’s Compliance.

Headline Points of the 20-Point Plan

 * Immediate Hostilities Cessation: The agreement calls for the immediate end to all military operations, with Israeli forces withdrawing to an agreed-upon line inside Gaza and battle lines frozen in place.

 * Hostage and Prisoner Exchange: Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting the agreement, all remaining Israeli hostages, alive and deceased, must be returned by Hamas. In return, Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7th, 2023, including all women and children detained in that context.

 * Amnesty and Exile: Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and decommission their weapons will be granted amnesty. Members wishing to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to designated receiving countries. Crucially, Hamas must agree to have no role, direct or indirect, in the future governance of Gaza.

 * Transitional Governance: The plan mandates that Gaza be governed under a temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee responsible for public services. This body will be overseen by a high-level “Board of Peace” led by President Trump and including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

 * Deradicalisation and Aid: Gaza will be a “deradicalized terror-free zone” that does not pose a threat to its neighbours. Full aid, including for the rehabilitation of water, electricity, and hospitals, will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip upon acceptance of the agreement.

 * Israeli Withdrawal: The plan stipulates a staged Israeli troop withdrawal that will occur as a new International Stabilisation Force (ISF) is deployed and Hamas disarms. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza, but will maintain a security perimeter presence.

The White House Ultimatum

Standing alongside Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Trump called the agreement “a beautiful day, potentially one of the great days ever in civilization,” and an “extremely fair proposal.” He confirmed that all parties, save for the militant group, were now on board.

“We have to get Hamas,” President Trump stated. “I have a feeling that we’re going to have a positive answer.”

However, both leaders were explicit about the consequences of rejection. Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed that the proposal meets all of Israel’s core war aims: the return of the hostages, the dismantling of Hamas’s military and political rule, and ensuring Gaza never again poses a threat.

“If Hamas rejects your plan, Mr. President, or if they supposedly accept it and then basically do everything to counter it, then Israel will finish the job by itself,” Mr. Netanyahu warned. “This can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done.” This forceful statement confirms that the Israeli government now views the full weight of responsibility for continuing the conflict as resting solely with the leaders of the militant group.

Challenges to Peace

While the plan has been largely welcomed by key international and regional partners, its provisions contain several elements that Hamas has previously rejected, chief among them the demand for the group to disarm and relinquish all claim to governance in the Strip. Past negotiations have faltered over Hamas’s insistence on a clear and comprehensive declaration of an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal before releasing all of the captives. The current plan does not require a full withdrawal ahead of the hostage release.

A Hamas representative confirmed late on Monday that the group is reviewing the proposal, but the high-stakes ultimatum from the two leaders leaves little room for protracted negotiation. The coming hours are critical as the world waits to see whether the group will comply with the terms of the plan and bring about the immediate end to the conflict and the safe return of the remaining hostages. The success of the agreement now hinges entirely on the final, pivotal word from the leadership in Gaza.