United States President Donald Trump on Monday unveiled a 20-point US plan to end the Gaza conflict, calling it “a historic day for peace” and warning that Washington would support Israel in “finishing the job” against Hamas if the group refused to comply.
The proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of 20 Israeli hostages within 72 hours along with the remains of others believed dead, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. It also bars Hamas from governing Gaza while leaving the door open for a future Palestinian state.
European and Middle Eastern leaders welcomed the initiative. The Palestinian Authority described it as “sincere and determined,” pledging cooperation with the US and regional partners.
A joint statement by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan endorsed Trump’s efforts, calling for progress toward a two-state solution. EU Council President Antonio Costa, along with leaders from France, Italy, and the UK, expressed support, urging all parties to seize the opportunity to secure lasting peace.
The plan proposes a transitional international administration, the “Board of Peace,” to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction, aid distribution, and staged Israeli withdrawals, with Trump at the helm and former UK premier Tony Blair as a member. Hamas said it is reviewing the proposal but stressed that any agreement must ensure full Israeli withdrawal, protect Palestinian rights, and preserve the group’s weapons as a “red line” until occupation ends.
The announcement follows Netanyahu’s UN speech rejecting recognition of a Palestinian state, which triggered a diplomatic walkout, and comes amid tensions after an Israeli strike in Qatar accidentally killed a serviceman.
The Gaza offensive, launched after Hamas attacks in October 2023, has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
