President Donald Trump stood beside Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on Monday night, September 29, and declared it “potentially one of the great days ever in civilisation.”
The former US president unveiled a 20-point plan for Gaza that he claimed would bring an “immediate end to the war” and even “eternal peace in the Middle East.”
Central to the plan is a transitional authority to govern Gaza. Trump said he would chair the new “Board of Peace” alongside former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, describing him as “a very good man.”
He insisted the role was “not at my request” but accepted it because “it’s what I want” for history.
The Plan in Detail
The proposal demands an immediate ceasefire within 72 hours if Hamas accepts. It requires the release of all 48 remaining hostages — 20 alive and 28 dead.
Hamas must also disarm and dismantle its offensive weapons. Once that begins, Israel would stage a phased withdrawal. A temporary international force would replace the Israeli military and keep order while the Trump-led transitional authority takes over.
The plan pledges massive reconstruction aid and insists Palestinians will not be forced out: “We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.”
Reactions From Netanyahu and Allies
Netanyahu praised the proposal: “I support your plan to end the war in Gaza which achieves our war aims. This will be your crowning achievement.”
But he issued a warning: “This can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done.”
Trump added that if Hamas rejected the deal, Israel would have his “full backing… to finish the job.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the plan “profoundly welcome,” urging Hamas to surrender its arms. Blair himself described it as “bold and intelligent,” despite his fraught legacy in the Middle East after the 2003 Iraq War.\
Hamas officials were quick to voice doubts. Senior figure Muhammed Mardawi dismissed the plan as “leaning toward the Israeli perspective.”
At the same time, mediators from Qatar and Egypt confirmed they had delivered the plan to Hamas negotiators, who promised to “review it in good faith.”
But Palestinians noted they were not consulted on the transitional authority. Critics say the conditions are designed for Hamas to fail, prolonging the war.
From his shelter in Al-Mawasi, 39-year-old Ibrahim Joudeh said: “It’s clear this plan is unrealistic. It means the war and suffering will continue.”
A Divided Israeli View
Not all Israelis support the deal. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich blasted it as a “resounding diplomatic failure” that would “end in tears.” He warned future generations might fight in Gaza again.
Netanyahu himself admitted that he opposed any recognition of a Palestinian state during his talks with Trump.
Leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Italy gave strong backing. EU chief Antonio Costa urged all sides to “seize this moment to give peace a genuine chance.”
Qatar and Egypt, who have mediated throughout the conflict, praised the US move as a “sincere effort.”
But scepticism lingers. Gaza has been devastated by nearly two years of war, with over 66,000 Palestinians killed, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
For many in the region, the plan is just another diplomatic performance, long on promises but short on justice.
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