![]() U.S. President Donald Trump (behind podium right side of image), beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (behind podium left side of image), announcing the proposal. | |
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Drafted | September 2025 |
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On September 29, 2025, United States President Donald Trump announced a new plan in a press conference at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the ongoing Gaza war and the broader Middle Eastern crisis. The plan is different from Trump's earlier Gaza Strip proposal, made in February 2025. It consists of 20 specific points [2] aimed at achieving a ceasefire, the return of Israeli hostages, dismantling Hamas's military capabilities, and establishing a transitional governance structure in the Gaza Strip. Trump stated that the agreement was contingent on Hamas's approval. [3] [4] Trump has given Hamas a deadline to accept the proposal by October 5, 2025, or face "all hell." [5]
After Hamas seized Gaza in 2007, repeated clashes with Israel escalated into major conflicts, culminating in the October 7 attacks in 2023, which triggered a large-scale Israeli military campaign. Attempts at ceasefires in late 2023 and early 2025 collapsed, and fighting resumed with an Israeli surprise attack in March 2025. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages, prisoner exchanges, the demilitarization of Gaza, the deployment of an international stabilization force, transitional governance by Palestinian technocrats under international supervision, large-scale reconstruction, and a conditional pathway toward Palestinian statehood.
The plan was met with support from many countries around the world, including France, Germany, Russia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom. [6] Before Trump's statement, a senior Hamas official said that Hamas rejected the demilitarization terms that appeared in Trump's plan. [7] [8]
On October 3, 2025, in response to the proposal, Hamas agreed to release any remaining hostages in Gaza and "hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats", though it did not agree to disarm or forgo influence in Gaza. [9] [10] In response to a CNN reporter's question about what would happen if Hamas insisted on remaining in power, Trump said the group would face "complete obliteration". [11]
As part of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Gaza has been occupied by Israel since 1967 along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The International Court of Justice has ruled the occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal under international law. [12] Following the 2005 Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip, control of the area was transferred to the Palestinian Authority. Hamas, a Palestinian nationalist Islamist political and militant group, which had previously been responsible for suicide bombings inside Israel, was elected as the Palestinian government the next year. [13] After a battle with rival Fatah in 2007, Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip. Hamas's takeover led Israel and Egypt to impose a blockade on Gaza. [14] Over the years, the two sides have engaged in several conflicts, with Hamas intensifying its rocket attacks against Israel, and Israel launching airstrikes and military operations on Gaza strip. [15] [16]
In October 2023, Hamas launched the October 7 attacks: a large-scale surprise assault on Israeli territory involving over 3,000 militants who infiltrated Israel from Gaza via multiple routes, including motorcycles, trucks, and paragliders. The attack began with thousands of rockets fired into Israel and was followed by massacres in multiple border towns, kibbutzim and in the Nova music festival. Hamas militants also took around 251 hostages and captives, including active-duty military personnel, civilians, women, children, and elderly. According to Hamas, the assault was a response to Israeli treatment of Palestinians, including the incarceration of Palestinians, actions around the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the blockade of Gaza. The assault prompted significant Israeli military retaliation, escalating into the Gaza war, which involved a large-scale invasion and bombardment of the Gaza Strip by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). According to the Gaza Health Ministry, around 65,000 people have been killed in the conflict, with a significantly higher number of casualties. [17] [18] [19] Israel's conduct during the Gaza war has led to a scholarly consensus that it is committing genocide in Gaza, [a] although the ICJ has yet to issue a final ruling in South Africa's genocide case against Israel.
On November 24, 2023, after a long fighting period between Israel and Hamas, a ceasefire was achieved due to efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. At first the ceasefire was meant to last 4 days with the release of 50 Israeli hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners, while more humanitarian aid was sent into Gaza. The ceasefire was extended twice based on further hostage releases but ultimately ended on December 1 after both sides accused each other of violations. [20] [21] [22]
On January 19, 2025, another ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began, after an agreement reached on January 15 following months of negotiation mediated once again by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt. The ceasefire had three stages; the first stage saw the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. During that time Israeli troops withdrew from populated areas in Gaza, while humanitarian aid was sent in along with displaced Palestinians returning home. The second and third stages were designed to achieve a permanent ceasefire, in which more hostages would be released by Hamas, and Israel would release more prisoners. Israel would completely withdraw its forces and Gaza would be reconstructed. After completion of the agreement's first phase, the United States and Israel stated that Hamas refused to release additional hostages, which they say caused the collapse of the ceasefire and led to Israel launching a surprise attack on the Gaza Strip on March 18, 2025. Hamas, by contrast, accused Israel of causing the collapse of the ceasefire. [22] [23] [24]
At the White House press conference on September 29, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States would play an active role in ensuring Israel's security following the ceasefire agreement. He emphasized that if Hamas accepted the deal, all hostages, both living and deceased, would be released almost immediately. Trump also expressed his intention to end the war and noted that he was "hearing that Hamas wants to get this done." [25]
Trump noted that Israel withdrew from Gaza in an effort to promote peace, stating, "They said, You take it. This is our contribution to peace." However, after the withdrawal, Hamas was elected by the Palestinian people, and the peace that Israel had hoped for did not materialize. [15]
Trump further mentioned that during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu had clearly opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state and criticized other countries that had "foolishly" recognized one. He added that Israel and other nations were "beyond very close" to reaching a deal to end the war, thanking Netanyahu for his efforts. Trump reiterated that the agreement would involve Arab countries and could lead to broader peace in the Middle East. [25]
Trump called the 20-point plan an "extremely fair proposal" and urged Hamas to accept it, expressing confidence that a positive response would be forthcoming, though he affirmed Israel's right to act if Hamas rejected the deal. [25]
On October 3, 2025, Trump gave Hamas a deadline of Sunday October 5, 2025, 18:00 Washington D.C. time (22:00 GMT), to accept the proposed agreement. [26]
On October 4, 2025, in an interview to CNN, Trump threatened Hamas, stating that if it refused to give up control of Gaza it would face "complete obliteration". [11]
The plan's 20 points were outlined as follows: [27]
The plan mandates an immediate cessation of hostilities, with all military operations suspended and frontlines frozen. All Israeli hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned within 72 hours. Palestinian prisoners will be released, including 250 life sentence prisoners and 1,700 individuals arrested since the war began. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans. [29] [30] [25]
The proposed strategy includes the destruction of Hamas's offensive weaponry, such as tunnels and military infrastructure, to neutralize their capacity for further violence. The statement says that Gaza will be "a de-radicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors." It also offers amnesty to Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence, with safe passage provided for those opting for exile. Additionally, a temporary international stabilization force, composed of U.S., Arab, and European personnel, would be deployed to oversee security and facilitate the training of a Palestinian police force, ensuring long-term stability and peace. [29] [30] [31] [25]
A transitional administration, led by Palestinian technocrats and supervised by an international body, would be established to manage day-to-day governance and oversee the rehabilitation of infrastructure. Humanitarian aid would be delivered without interference, with international organizations such as the United Nations and the Red Crescent overseeing its distribution to ensure fairness and efficiency. Additionally, efforts would be made to encourage Palestinians to remain in Gaza, offering support to those choosing to stay and rebuild their communities.
The strategy includes the acknowledgment of a potential future Palestinian state, contingent upon successful reconstruction efforts and necessary reforms within the Palestinian Authority. To pave the way for long-term peace, a dialogue would be initiated between Israel and the Palestinians to establish a political framework that promotes peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding. [29] Although the plan recognizes the possibility of a Palestinian state as "the aspiration of the Palestinian people", it does not say that the United States would recognize such a state. [2] On September 30, 2025, Netanyahu said that a Palestinian state would not be established under Trump's plan, ruling out such a possibility. [32]
On 30 September, Donald Trump's proposal was forwarded to Hamas and Trump stated that the group had "three or four days" to respond to the plan. [33] Hamas has announced that they were studying the proposal "in good faith". [34]
On 2 October 2025, reports emerged that Hamas's political leadership in Qatar have were open to accepting the proposed deal with additional causes relating to International guarantees relating to Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the safety of its leadership. [35] [36] However, Hamas's leader in the Gaza Strip itself, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, has been reported to have objections to the proposal. [37] An investigation by the New York Times found widespread support for the plan amongst civilians in the Gaza Strip, [38] with many urging Hamas to accept the deal. [39] The Egyptian and Qatari governments continued working to convince Hamas to accept the proposal. [40]
On 3 October, Trump gave Hamas a deadline of Sunday 5 October 2025, 18:00 Washington D.C. time (22:00 GMT), to accept the proposed deal. [41] Later that day, Hamas announced that they would release all Israeli hostages, living and deceased and expressed willingness to negotiate on Trump's proposed plan, though it did not agree to disarm or forgo influence in Gaza. [9] [10] Trump responded by saying that he believes that Hamas is "ready for lasting peace", and urged Israel to "immediately stop bombing Gaza" to allow for the safe release of hostages. [42] Despite Trump's request for bombing to stop, Israel has continued its bombing campaign, killing 70 Palestinians, stating it targeted a Hamas militant who posed a threat to its forces, expressing regret for harm to uninvolved civilians, and saying it "works to mitigate harm to uninvolved civilians as much as possible" in one of those strikes. [43] [44]
On 4 October, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the armed forces to halt their offensive in Gaza City in response to Trump's demands. [45] [46] It was reported that talks between Palestinian factions, including Hamas, regarding the future governance of Gaza would take place in Cairo. [47] US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner were reported to be heading to Cairo to finalise the technical details of the hostage release and discuss the lasting peace deal. [48] [49] Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas were planned to take place over the next few days in Egypt. [50] Later that evening, Trump posted on social media that Israel "has agreed to the initial withdrawal line" and that when Hamas confirms, a ceasefire will "be IMMEDIATELY effective". [51] [52]
On 5 October, it was reported that the talks would be held in Sharm el Sheikh. The Israeli delegation would be led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and the Hamas delegation led by Khalil Al-Hayya. [53] Trump stated that the talks may take "a couple of days" and called for "everyone to move fast", adding "I am told that the first phase should be completed this week". [54]
On 6 October, negotiators from Israel and Hamas began indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt to discuss the release of the remaining Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoner exchange mediated by Egyptian, Qatari, Turkish and US officials. [55] [56] [1] The talks lasted for around four hours and ended on a positive note, with a road map agreed for further talks the following day. [57]
Two rounds of negotiations were held on 7 October, with sources describing "progress" being made. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff and Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani were expected to join the talks on 8 October. [58] A five-point agenda for further talks, covering ending the war, prisoner and hostage exchange, Israeli withdrawal, humanitarian assistance and post-war was agreed. [59]
Negotiations continued on 8 October with the Palestinian delegation submitting a list of prisoners they want released adding that "optimism prevails" in the talks. The initial maps presented by the Israeli side regarding the withdrawal of troops as well as the mechanism and timetable for the hostage-prisoner exchange was also discussed. [60] That evening, Trump was handed a handwritten note from secretary of state Marco Rubio during a live television appearance stating an agreement was "very close" and that he would need to "approve a Truth social post soon so you can announce deal first". [61] [62] Shortly thereafter, reports emerged that an agreement had been reached and would be signed the following day. [63] [64] Trump subsequently confirmed that an agreement on the first phase of the deal had been approved by both sides, posting on social media that "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan." [65] The agreement is expected to be signed in Egypt at 12 noon local time on 9 October. Hostages are expected to be freed over the weekend. [66]
Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed that the plan was "essentially the plan that developed over many months" under the predecessor Biden administration and was "more or less left in a drawer for the incoming administration." [67]
During the initial press conference with Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he supports the plan. [68]
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich denounced the plan as "a historic missed opportunity" which will force Israel to "fight in Gaza again". [6] Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid endorsed the plan and said "Israel should announce it is joining the discussions led by the president to finalize the details of the deal." [69]
Israeli opposition politician Benny Gantz lauded "Trump's extraordinary efforts to secure a hostage deal and safeguard Israeli security" and said the plan "must be implemented, our hostages brought home, Israel's operational freedom maintained, Hamas's terror regime in Gaza replaced, and moderate Arab States instated instead as I proposed a year and a half ago." [70]
The Palestinian Authority called Trump's efforts "sincere and determined" and said that it is committed to holding new parliamentary and presidential elections within a year of the war's end, changing school curriculum, and forming a new security force, while affirming its desire for a "modern, democratic, and non-militarized Palestinian state, committed to pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power." [71]
European Union: on 6 October 2025, High Representative Kaja Kallas announced that the European Union seeks a role in the proposed transitional authority for Gaza, stating "we feel that Europe has a great role and we should be also on board with this." [85] The European Union has two overseas operations in the Palestinian territories, the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Rafah and the European Union Mission for the Support of Palestinian Police and Rule of Law.
United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres was encouraged by Hamas's agreement with the proposal and urged all parties to "seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end." [86]
So let us not forget how we got here. Hamas was elected by the Palestinian people. Israel withdrew from Gaza thinking they would live in peace. Remember that — a long time ago, they withdrew. They said, You take it. This is our contribution to peace. But that didn't work out. That didn't work out. It was the opposite of peace.