Trump Unveils Gaza Peace Plan, Netanyahu Signals Backing
President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new peace initiative for Gaza, presenting a 20-point framework that he says could end the ongoing conflict and lay the foundation for reconstruction.
Unveiled at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the disarmament of Hamas in exchange for a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
It also proposes deploying a temporary international stabilisation force and creating a transitional authority led by Trump with the involvement of other foreign leaders.
In a crucial change from Trump’s earlier goals, Palestinians will not be forced to leave Gaza, instead offering incentives for residents to remain and “build a better Gaza” through foreign investment will be aided. Hamas members who renounce violence would receive amnesty, though the group itself would be excluded from governance.
Netanyahu cautiously endorsed the proposal, saying it “achieves our war aims,” but warned that Israel would act unilaterally if Hamas rejects the deal. “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,” he told reporters.
Netanyahu made clear he was in favour, saying it “achieves our war aims,” while Trump said he was hopeful that Hamas would also give its backing.
Despite Trump’s optimism that approval from all parties is “beyond very close,” Netanyahu said Israeli forces would continue to oversee Gaza’s security “for the foreseeable future,” and cast doubt on whether the Palestinian Authority would have a role in administering the enclave.
Hamas is yet to respond to the proposal, leaving its fate uncertain.
