Trump Secures Netanyahu’s Backing for Gaza Peace Plan, Hamas Response Pending

White House Announcement

Donald Trump unveiled a Gaza peace proposal at the White House, gaining the public support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The 20-point plan includes a ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, Hamas’s disarmament, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Trump said a transitional authority, led by himself, would oversee post-war governance.

Netanyahu’s Warning

Speaking alongside Trump, Netanyahu endorsed the framework but warned Hamas. “If Hamas rejects your plan, Mr President, or if they claim to accept it but act against it, Israel will finish the job by itself,” he said. Trump pledged Washington’s full backing should that happen.

International Reaction

The proposal was met with swift responses across the globe. Arab and Muslim nations — including Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey — welcomed the move as “sincere efforts” toward peace. European leaders from the UK, France, Germany and Italy also voiced strong support. EU chief Antonio Costa urged all sides to “seize this moment.”

Hamas Yet to Respond

Hamas has not formally replied. Officials confirmed the plan was shared through Qatari and Egyptian mediators and said a response would follow.

Gaza Residents Skeptical

Inside Gaza, some displaced residents rejected the initiative. “We as a people will not accept this farce,” said Abu Mazen Nassar, one of nearly two million Gazans uprooted by the conflict.

Palestinian Authority’s Stance

The Palestinian Authority, expected to have a role in any post-war administration, cautiously welcomed Trump’s efforts. Yet Netanyahu questioned whether the PA should be trusted with future responsibilities in Gaza.

Obstacles on Both Sides

The plan demands Hamas fully disarm and renounce political roles, with limited amnesty for those agreeing to coexistence. On the Israeli side, Netanyahu could face pushback from hard-right members of his government resistant to concessions.

Security Control Remains Key

Netanyahu emphasised Israel would keep control of Gaza’s security “for the foreseeable future,” complicating how the proposed transitional authority would function.

Trump also left open the possibility of Palestinian statehood, a prospect Netanyahu has historically resisted.

US-Israel Frictions

Although praising Netanyahu as a “warrior,” Trump showed irritation over Israeli actions. He was angered by a strike on Hamas figures in Qatar and forced Netanyahu to apologise directly to Doha’s prime minister during their Oval Office meeting.

International Role

The plan calls for an international stabilisation force and proposes former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair join the transitional authority. Blair described the plan as “bold and intelligent,” though his Middle East legacy remains divisive.

Human Cost of War

The conflict began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Israel’s subsequent offensive has devastated Gaza, killing over 66,000 Palestinians, according to health ministry figures regarded as credible by the United Nations.