On September 29, President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza, securing the release of hostages, and placing the territory under new governance. The deal, however, is contingent on Hamas’s acceptance.
Trump presented the plan as a “major breakthrough,” emphasizing U.S. backing for Israel if Hamas rejects the proposal. Netanyahu echoed the sentiment, warning that Israel would “finish the job by itself” if necessary.
Key Terms of the Plan
- Hostage Release: Hamas would be required to free all remaining hostages in Gaza within 72 hours.
- End of War: Israel’s military campaign in Gaza would cease.
- Governance: Gaza would come under temporary management by a Palestinian committee, overseen by a newly created “Board of Peace.”
- Leadership Role: Trump himself would chair the oversight board, alongside foreign leaders such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
- Amnesty for Hamas Fighters: Militants would be granted amnesty under the deal.
- Redevelopment: Palestinians who wish to remain could stay, with promises of rebuilding Gaza and offering residents “the opportunity to build a better Gaza.”
Regional Diplomacy and Fallout
Trump said he had already pitched the plan privately to Arab leaders, signaling pressure on Israel’s neighbors to support the deal.
The announcement also coincided with Netanyahu issuing an apology to Qatar, after an Israeli airstrike in Doha earlier this month killed a Qatari serviceman and several Hamas members. Netanyahu pledged that Israel would not strike in Qatar again.
War Context and Human Toll
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed 1,200 Israelis and abducted 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s campaign has devastated Gaza, with 66,000 Palestinians reported dead by Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The humanitarian crisis has provoked global outrage, leading countries such as Britain, Canada, Australia, and France to recognize a Palestinian state—moves Netanyahu strongly condemned in a fiery UN speech.
Prisoner Exchange Provisions
As part of the peace framework, Israel would release:
- 250 prisoners serving life sentences
- 1,700 detainees
- The remains of 15 deceased Gazans
In return, roughly 48 hostages believed to be in Gaza would be freed, with about 20 confirmed alive.
Trump’s Shift in Strategy
Earlier this year, Trump had floated a controversial idea of the U.S. taking over Gaza and relocating Palestinians to other Arab states, transforming the enclave into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” The new plan departs from that vision, encouraging Palestinians to stay and rebuild under new governance.
Next Steps
Hamas has not yet received or responded to the plan. Its acceptance or rejection will determine whether the initiative leads to peace—or whether Israel, with full U.S. backing, continues its campaign.
