WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump unveiled a new 20-point proposal for bringing the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip to a close.
The White House released the plan on Sept. 29, as Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington for the fourth time since the start of his administration. The plan comes just days before the second anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, which set off the current fighting.
Trump’s proposal lays out a framework for the exchange of both living and deceased hostages in Gaza, and of Palestinians held by Israel. The plan also sets a framework for Hamas to relinquish its claim to political control over the embattled territory and allow for the formation of a transitional post-conflict government.
“I also want to thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for agreeing to the plan and for trusting that if we work together, we can bring an end to the death and destruction that we’ve seen for so many years, decades, even centuries, and begin a new chapter of security, peace and prosperity for the entire region,” Trump said.
Netanyahu stated that the plan would facilitate the resolution of the conflict in Gaza and lay the groundwork for a broader peace throughout the Middle East.
“I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which achieves our war aims. It will bring back to Israel all our hostages, dismantle Hamas military capabilities, end its political rule and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel,” Netanyahu said.
The plan states: “Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.”
The plan describes the proposed transitional Gaza government as “a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza.”
“This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the ‘Board of Peace,’ which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair,” the plan states.
According to a readout of the peace plan, the transitional government will remain in place over Gaza until the Palestinian Authority has reformed itself sufficiently to assume control over the territory. The readout did not specify exactly what reforms the Palestinian Authority must commit to before assuming the governing responsibilities in the Gaza Strip.
Another point stipulated in the plan is that “no one will be forced to leave Gaza” and that those who leave the war-torn territory “will be free to do so and free to return.”
“I challenge the Palestinians to take responsibility for their destiny, because that’s what we’re giving them,” Trump said.
Both Trump and Netanyahu warned that Israel could resume its military options in Gaza if Hamas doesn’t accept and fulfill its obligations under 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,” Netanyahu said.
By Ryan Morgan and Emel Akan
