Location: WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have put their heads together and come up with a peace proposal that aims to secure the release of hostages, bring the war to an end, and reorganize governance in Gaza — all contingent on Hamas’s acceptance of the deal.
Both leaders framed this announcement as a significant step forward in a conflict marked by failed ceasefires and heightened regional tensions. Israel has been pursuing a rigorous campaign that has led to widespread international indignation due to the high number of civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
However, for this plan to move forward, it requires Hamas’s support, which they have yet to receive. Trump emphasized during a White House event that if Hamas disregards the proposal, Israel will have full U.S. support to continue its military actions in the region.
“This can either be resolved easily or through more difficult means, but it will reach a conclusion. We’d rather take the easier route, but action is necessary,” Netanyahu remarked. He added ominously that should Hamas turn down the plan, “Israel will take matters into its own hands.”
The plan, introduced by Trump on September 29, would see Hamas end hostilities and free all remaining hostages taken during a terror attack on Israel nearly two years ago within 72 hours. Gaza would undergo redevelopment, allowing Palestinians who chose to stay to do so, while giving amnesty to Hamas fighters. A newly appointed Palestinian committee will temporarily oversee the territory, with the ultimate governance being led by a proposed “Board of Peace” established by Trump along with other international leaders, including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Trump expressed optimism as he told Netanyahu, “I believe we’re going to get a positive response, but if it doesn’t work out, you’d have our total backing to proceed with your strategies.” Last week, Trump shared the plan privately with Arab leaders, increasing pressure on Israel, which has felt increasingly isolated since hostilities erupted following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas militants that resulted in 1,200 deaths and left 251 individuals as hostages.
In retaliation, Israel has bombarded vast stretches of Gaza. Gaza’s Health Ministry estimates that around 66,000 Palestinians have perished due to the conflict, further aggravating the humanitarian situation that has drawn international criticism, prompting several Western nations to acknowledge a Palestinian state in defiance of U.S. and Israeli stances.
Additionally, a significant development from the talks between Trump and the Qatari Prime Minister showed Netanyahu conveying regret regarding a missile strike against Hamas on Qatari soil that claimed the life of a Qatari serviceman. He assured that Israel would refrain from any future attacks on Qatar.
Earlier, Israel executed an airstrike targeting Hamas officials in Qatar on September 9, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, five of whom were Hamas operatives.
Recently, Netanyahu found himself at the White House for the fourth time this year, looking to solidify support for Israel amidst escalating calls from global leaders to bring an end to the conflict. Several countries, including Britain, Canada, Australia, and France, have declared recognition of a Palestinian state in recent weeks, inciting anger from Netanyahu, who condemned such moves during a heated speech at the United Nations, which saw many representatives exiting in protest as he reiterated his strong opposition to Palestinian statehood.
The U.S. has vocally supported Israel’s response to the October 7 attack, but as the conflict prolongs, Trump has expressed mounting frustration. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, along with his son-in-law Jared Kushner, met with Netanyahu on September 27 to finalize the peace details.
A key element of the proposal is the potential release of approximately 48 hostages thought to be in Gaza, with around 20 of those individuals still alive. It also encompasses the release of 250 inmates serving life sentences in Israel, 1,700 detainees, and the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
In previous meetings, Trump had suggested establishing U.S. authority over Gaza and relocating around 2 million residing Palestinians to neighboring Arab nations while revamping the conflict-ridden territory into a luxurious area referred to as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” His latest plan proposes that current residents of Gaza be incentivized to stay with commitments that offer them the chance to improve their home situation.
Contributing organizations: Reuters
This report has been updated with new information.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump Reveals New Plan to End Gaza Conflict, Warns Hamas
