In late September 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where the two leaders announced a bold new 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Netanyahu publicly expressed support for the proposal, though key actors such as Hamas have not yet agreed to its terms.
What’s in the Plan
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The framework calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the demilitarization of Gaza.
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Gaza would be governed by a transitional administration — neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority — supervised by an international “Board of Peace,” with Trump saying he would be willing to chair it.
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Israel would withdraw its forces, and Hamas would relinquish both military and political control.
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The plan stresses that Israel would not annex Gaza, but also warns that if Hamas does not comply, Israel (with U.S. backing) would proceed unilaterally.
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Netanyahu backed the plan, stating it aligns with Israel’s goals: “I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which achieves our war aims” — including returning hostages and ending Hamas’ dominance.
Points of Contention and Unanswered Questions
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Hamas has not accepted the deal.
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Whether a ceasefire can hold is uncertain — both sides have deep distrust.
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The international authority and transitional governance model is controversial and unprecedented.
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Many observers question how realistic it is to expect full compliance from all parties, especially with ongoing violence and humanitarian crises.
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The role of the Palestinian Authority is largely sidelined unless it undergoes reforms.
The Bigger Picture
This announcement comes amid growing pressure on all parties to end the conflict. Over 66,000 Palestinians have been reported killed in Gaza since the war escalated. The disruption to life, infrastructure, and basic services has been catastrophic.
Trump’s proposal marks a significant shift in his engagement with the Israel-Gaza conflict, moving him more actively into a mediating and, potentially, governing role in Gaza’s future. Netanyahu, already under pressure domestically and internationally, has thrown his weight behind the plan — but with firm warnings that Israel is prepared to act alone.
Whether this latest push yields a breakthrough or descends into more diplomatic failure remains to be seen.
