Washington, September 29, 2025:
In a dramatic announcement at the White House, US President Donald Trump revealed that Israel has accepted his 20-point Gaza peace plan, which aims to end the devastating war in the region. Trump thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for agreeing to the deal, while also issuing a sharp warning to Hamas that Israel would have “full US backing” to destroy the militant group if it rejected the proposal.
Trump Thanks Netanyahu, Warns Hamas
Speaking alongside Netanyahu, Trump said the United States was “very close” to achieving peace in Gaza. He praised Netanyahu for supporting the plan and emphasized that this could be a historic breakthrough.
“Israel would have my full backing to finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas,” Trump declared. “But I hope we’re going to have a deal for peace. Everyone else has accepted it, and I have a feeling we’ll get a positive answer.”
The US President underlined that the plan had broad international support. He said Arab leaders he met at the United Nations last week were “on board,” calling it the “first time ever” that such unity had been achieved for Gaza.
What the 20-Point Gaza Plan Includes
The proposal outlines a detailed framework designed to bring an immediate halt to the war. According to Trump, if both sides agree, the war would “immediately end” and Israeli forces would begin a phased withdrawal.
Key features of the plan include:
- Ceasefire: An immediate halt to hostilities as soon as the deal is accepted.
- Hostage Release: Israeli withdrawals tied directly to the release of hostages held by Hamas.
- International Stabilization Force: Deployment of a temporary peacekeeping force to secure the territory.
- Transitional Authority: A new body led by Trump to oversee governance until long-term arrangements are established.
- Disarmament of Hamas: Militants would be required to fully disarm and would be excluded from future government roles.
- Amnesty: Fighters willing to embrace peaceful coexistence would be offered amnesty.
- Border Access: Following withdrawal, Gaza’s borders would open for aid, investment, and trade.
- Population Stability: In a shift from earlier US proposals, Palestinians would not be forced to relocate. Instead, they would be encouraged to stay and rebuild their lives.
Trump described this approach as a chance for Gaza to become “the Riviera of the Middle East,” offering residents new opportunities for prosperity.
Netanyahu Balances Pressure and Politics
Prime Minister Netanyahu has in recent days vowed to “finish the job” against Hamas, rejecting international calls for Palestinian statehood. However, by standing with Trump, he signaled that Israel is willing to consider the peace roadmap.
Despite this, Netanyahu faces challenges at home. His coalition government relies heavily on far-right ministers who oppose concessions to Palestinians and advocate annexing the West Bank. Trump himself warned Netanyahu last week against pursuing annexation, stressing that it would undermine peace efforts.
Tensions between the two leaders have been rising. Trump, normally a strong ally of Netanyahu, was angered by a recent Israeli strike in Qatar, a close US partner. This has increased pressure on Netanyahu to show flexibility in Washington.
Reactions in Gaza: Hope and Distrust
On the ground in Gaza, the response was mixed. Many residents expressed deep exhaustion after months of war but also skepticism toward the US-led deal.
“I don’t expect anything from Trump,” said Mohammed Abu Rabee, 34, in Khan Yunis. “Trump supports Netanyahu in destroying Gaza and displacing people.”
Still, others admitted the promise of a ceasefire and open borders gave them hope for relief after nearly two years of intense conflict.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continued across Gaza on Monday, killing at least four people in Khan Yunis, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency.
Families of Hostages Urge Trump to Stay Firm
In Israel, families of hostages held in Gaza urged Trump to stand strong. In an open letter, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum thanked him for the proposal and pleaded that he resist any attempts to undermine it.
“We respectfully ask you to stand firm against any attempts to sabotage the deal you have brought forth,” the group wrote.
The hostage crisis remains one of the most emotional and politically sensitive issues driving Israeli support for the deal.
Analysts Say Outcome Hinges on Netanyahu
Experts believe the success of Trump’s plan depends largely on how far the US President can push Netanyahu.
“Netanyahu has a clear preference for continuing the war and defeating Hamas,” said Natan Sachs, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. “But I don’t think it’s impossible for Trump to convince him otherwise.”
The plan, if accepted, would mark one of the most significant diplomatic interventions in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Background: The War in Gaza
The conflict was triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to official Israeli figures.
In retaliation, Israel launched a massive offensive that has since killed over 66,000 Palestinians, the majority civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.
The humanitarian crisis has drawn global condemnation and urgent calls for peace, increasing pressure on both Israel and Hamas to consider Trump’s roadmap.
What Lies Ahead
The coming days will be critical. If Hamas accepts the deal, it could end the war, secure hostage releases, and open Gaza to aid and rebuilding. But if the group rejects it, Israel, with US backing, could escalate its military campaign.
For now, the world watches closely as Trump attempts to secure what he describes as “something special”—a lasting peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
