In a decisive move to end the two-year conflict, President Donald Trump has given Hamas a three-to-four-day deadline to accept a comprehensive 20-point peace plan for Gaza, warning of a “very sad end” if the militant group rejects the proposal. The ultimatum comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the plan during a White House appearance with Trump on Monday.
World leaders rally behind peace proposal
The peace framework has garnered significant international support while key provisions, particularly Hamas’s required disarmament set the stage for a critical decision from the group that has controlled Gaza since 2007.
The plan provides a viable pathway to long term and sustainable peace, security and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a public statement of support
European leaders also voiced strong backing. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged all sides to “come together behind President Trump’s initiative,” while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called it the “best chance for ending the war” . France’s Emmanuel Macron welcomed Trump’s “commitment to ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages
Most significantly, a coalition of Muslim nations including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement supporting the plan and expressing readiness to “work constructively with the US and others to secure peace” .
The 20-point plan: Key provisions
The detailed agreement, obtained by news organizations, outlines a phased approach to ending hostilities and establishing new governance in Gaza .
- Immediate ceasefire and hostage exchange: The plan mandates an immediate end to hostilities once both sides agree, with all hostages, both alive and deceased returned within 72 hours. In exchange, Israel would release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences plus 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023 .
- Hamas disarmament and departure: The proposal requires Hamas members to disarm completely and relinquish any role in Gaza’s governance. Those committing to peaceful coexistence would receive amnesty, while others would be provided safe passage out of Gaza .
- International interim governance: Gaza would temporarily be governed by a technocratic Palestinian committee under international supervision through a “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair .
- Security arrangements: An International Stabilization Force (ISF) would deploy to Gaza, training Palestinian police and securing borders while Israeli forces gradually withdraw to a perimeter security zone .
- Economic development and aid: The plan promises immediate scaled-up humanitarian aid and creates a special economic zone with preferred tariff rates to stimulate investment and reconstruction .
Mixed reactions and potential obstacles
While the proposal has received widespread diplomatic support, significant challenges remain:
Hamas Response:
Hamas officials stated they would review the proposal “in good faith” but expressed serious reservations. A source close to the group told Reuters the plan was “completely biased to Israel” and imposed “impossible conditions” aimed at eliminating the organization . The group has consistently rejected disarmament demands throughout previous negotiations.
Israeli political pressures:
Despite Netanyahu’s endorsement, far-right members of his governing coalition threatened to withdraw their support if he halts military operations without achieving “total victory” . Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the plan a “resounding diplomatic failure” that would “end in tears” .
Palestinian concerns:
Some Palestinian voices criticized the proposal’s limitations. Diana Buttu, former adviser to the Palestinian Liberation Organization, noted the plan contained “not a single guarantee” for Palestinians and would decide their future without their input .
Humanitarian crisis continues amid deliberations
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Gaza’s health ministry reported the starvation death toll has reached 453 people, including 150 children . The overall Palestinian death toll since the war began has exceeded 66,000, according to the same sources .
The conflict began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and saw more than 250 taken hostage . Israel’s subsequent military campaign has reduced much of Gaza to rubble and displaced the majority of its 2.3 million residents .
Countdown to decision
With the deadline looming, the international community awaits Hamas’s response. Trump has emphasized there is “not much” room for negotiation, stating that if Hamas rejects the proposal, he would allow Israel to “go and do what they have to do” .
As Palestinians in Gaza endure continued suffering and Israeli leaders face domestic political pressures, the coming days will determine whether this proposal becomes the foundation for peace or another failed initiative in the long-standing conflict.
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