Background
Following the 2005 Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip, control of the area was transferred to the Palestinian Authority. However, two years later, Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist militant group, seized control by force and established itself as the governing authority. Since then, Hamas, which had previously been responsible for suicide bombings inside Israel, has evolved into a de facto statelet and began launching rocket attacks on Israeli territory. Hamas's takeover led Israel and Egypt to impose a blockade on Gaza. Over the years, the two sides have engaged in several conflicts, with Hamas intensifying its rocket attacks, prompting Israel to respond with airstrikes and military operations targeting Hamas's infrastructure. [4] [5] [6]
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 and kibbutzim, including a massacre at the Nova music festival where over 300 were murdered. Hamas militants also took around 251 hostages, many civilians, women, children, babies and elderly. This attack was the deadliest in Israeli history. According to Hamas, the assault was made in response to alleged Israeli oppression, the blockade of Gaza, and actions around the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The assault shocked both Israel and the international community, leading to a major Israeli military operation. This escalated 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 Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, around 65,000 people have been killed in the conflict. [7] [8] [9]
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. [10] [11] [12]
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. On March 18, 2025, Israel launched a surprise attack on the Gaza Strip, causing the fighting to resume. [12] [13]
Trump's statements
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." [14]
Trump noted that Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2025 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. [4]
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. [14]
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. [14]
Components of the plan
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. [17] [18] [14]
Demilitarization and security measures
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. [17] [18] [19] [14]
Governance and reconstruction
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. [17] [18] [19]
Pathway to Palestinian statehood
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. [17] 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. [20]
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