On September 29, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump, in coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, unveiled a comprehensive 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing violence in Gaza. The plan calls for a swift ceasefire, the return of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, increased humanitarian aid, and the establishment of an interim Palestinian administration overseen by an international “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The proposal immediately drew attention across the globe, with supporters lauding the initiative as a bold move to end one of the world’s longest-running conflicts. Key Arab and European nations have expressed cautious optimism, signaling a rare opportunity for coordinated international support. However, skepticism remains high among Palestinians, who question whether the plan adequately addresses the long-term aspirations for Palestinian statehood and autonomy.
Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, has reportedly indicated a willingness to consider the plan. Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Hamas and other Palestinian factions will formally respond to Egyptian and Qatari mediators within days. President Trump has set a firm deadline, warning that Hamas has three to four days to respond before potentially severe consequences unfold. “If it’s not, it’s going to be a very sad end,” Trump cautioned, underscoring the urgency of the proposal.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has offered conditional support. While seeking to reassure his right-wing base, Netanyahu emphasized that Israeli forces would remain in most parts of Gaza until all hostages are returned. Despite the plan’s inclusion of a pathway to Palestinian statehood, Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to establishing a Palestinian state in the near term, highlighting the delicate balancing act he faces between domestic political pressures and international expectations.
The international response has been largely supportive but measured. Arab leaders and European diplomats praised the initiative as a potential framework for ending bloodshed, while simultaneously calling for careful scrutiny to ensure that humanitarian needs are met. Meanwhile, critics argue that the plan gives outside powers excessive control over Palestinian governance, raising questions about sovereignty and local consent.
For the residents of Gaza, the stakes could not be higher. More than 66,000 people have died in the conflict to date, and the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. Families of hostages are watching closely, hoping that the plan might secure the release of loved ones. For Palestinians who have endured decades of instability and repeated military escalations, the proposal represents both hope and uncertainty.
As the world watches, Hamas’s response in the coming days will be crucial. Acceptance could mark a turning point in the conflict, opening doors for international cooperation, reconstruction, and peace-building. Rejection, however, risks further escalation, potentially drawing in neighboring countries and complicating diplomatic efforts.
Trump’s Gaza peace plan is more than a policy proposal—it is a test of leadership, diplomacy, and global cooperation. With deadlines looming, the next few days will determine whether this initiative can transition from a blueprint on paper to a tangible step toward peace in one of the most volatile regions in the world.
