US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu say they have agreed to a new peace plan for Gaza and warned Hamas to accept it.
The plan proposes an immediate end to military operations, with Hamas releasing 20 living Israeli hostages and the remains of more than two dozen who are believed to be dead within 72 hours, in exchange for hundreds of detained Gazans.
A Palestinian source familiar with the negotiations stated that Hamas officials have received the White House's 20-point proposal, which insists that Hamas will have no role in governing Gaza while leaving open the possibility for an eventual Palestinian state.
During a news conference following talks at the White House, Trump described the day as a historic day for peace but emphasized that Netanyahu would have US backing to act decisively if Hamas refuses to agree to the plan. Netanyahu reiterated the need for Israel to finish the job if Hamas does not comply.
The plan, if implemented, would start with an immediate cessation of military operations, freezing existing battle lines until certain conditions are met for a staged withdrawal. Under these terms, Hamas would be required to disarm and dismantle its tunnels and weapon production facilities.
In exchange for the hostages, Israel would release hundreds of detained Palestinians, with specific conditions outlined for each side. Furthermore, the plan includes provisions for humanitarian aid to be sent into Gaza once the terms are enacted.
A governance plan suggests a temporary, apolitical Palestinian committee to oversee Gaza, with international oversight from a new body called the Board of Peace, led by Trump and including global leaders.
While the proposal aims to facilitate economic development in Gaza, it explicitly states that Israel will not occupy or annex the territory, and encourages residents to remain in Gaza to build a better future.
The announcement comes on the heels of public disapproval from Netanyahu regarding Western recognition of a Palestinian state, and follows recent tensions with the US over actions taken against Hamas operatives in Qatar.
As the situation remains complex and fluid, with over 66,000 estimated casualties in Gaza since the conflict escalated in October 2023, calls for ceasefire and negotiations persist.
