Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Wins Global Backing

Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Wins Global Backing while Hamas remains undecided. President Donald Trump, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, unveiled a 20-point Gaza peace plan at the White House, calling it “a historic day for peace.” The plan proposes an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the establishment of a transitional governing body led by an international coalition.

The Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, as it is officially titled, seeks to halt a nearly two-year-long war that has left over 66,000 Palestinians dead and Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins. Trump presented the deal as the closest step yet toward ending the violence.

“I think we are beyond very close,” Trump declared. “We’re not quite finished. We have to get Hamas.”

Netanyahu added his own warning: “If Hamas rejects the plan or fails to follow through, Israel will finish the job.”

Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Wins Global Backing

Key Provisions of the 20-Point Plan

Hostage and Prisoner Exchange

• Within 72 hours, Hamas must release 20 living Israeli hostages and the remains of more than two dozen deceased hostages.
• For each Israeli’s remains, Israel will release the remains of 15 dead Palestinians.
• The plan envisions a phased release of prisoners and detainees, alongside Israel’s gradual withdrawal from Gaza.

Governance of Gaza

• Hamas will have no role in governing Gaza.
• A temporary technocratic Palestinian committee will take charge, under the supervision of a new international body — the Board of Peace, chaired by Trump and including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
• Blair called the plan “bold and intelligent”, signaling his willingness to help oversee Gaza’s transition.

Military and Security Measures

• Hamas must lay down arms and dismantle its tunnels and weapons factories.
• Israel commits not to annex or permanently occupy Gaza.
• The plan freezes current battle lines until withdrawal conditions are met.

Economic Development

• A major reconstruction program for Gaza is included.
• Palestinians will not be forced to leave Gaza; instead, they will be encouraged to stay and rebuild.
• Aid will flow in immediately once both sides agree.

Path to a Two-State Solution

• While vague, the plan leaves open the possibility of an eventual Palestinian state integrating Gaza with the West Bank.

Middle East Leaders React

Arab and Muslim States’ Support

In a rare show of unity, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan issued a joint statement praising Trump’s “leadership and sincere efforts.”

They emphasized that the plan could pave the way toward:

• Ending the war
• Rebuilding Gaza
• Preventing Israeli annexation of the West Bank
• A long-term two-state solution

Palestinian Authority’s Response

The Palestinian Authority (PA), based in the West Bank, cautiously welcomed Trump’s efforts, calling them “sincere and determined.” The PA pledged to work with the US, regional states, and partners to ensure humanitarian aid delivery and secure the release of hostages.

Hamas’s Position

Hamas has not formally responded. A senior Hamas official told the BBC that while the group was open to studying proposals, its weapons remain a “red line” as long as Israeli occupation continues.

European Leaders Endorse the Plan

• Antonio Costa, European Council President, said he was “encouraged” by Netanyahu’s positive response and urged all parties to “give peace a genuine chance.”
• French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the deal, stressing it must lead to deeper talks and a lasting two-state solution.
• Italy’s Giorgia Meloni called it a “turning point” and urged all sides to seize the moment.
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Hamas should now agree to the plan and end the misery.”
• Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the plan offered hope to “hundreds of thousands suffering in Gaza” and must not be wasted.

Modi Welcomes Trump’s Gaza Plan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Trump’s initiative as a “viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace.”

“We welcome President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. It provides a viable pathway to long-term peace, security and development,” Modi wrote on X.

India’s endorsement highlights its growing role as a global diplomatic voice, balancing ties with both Israel and the Arab world.

Netanyahu Balances Praise and Politics

While praising Trump as a “friend of Israel,” Netanyahu also signaled unease with aspects of the plan, particularly the role envisioned for the Palestinian Authority and references to a Palestinian state.

Domestically, Netanyahu faces pressure from his far-right coalition partners, who threatened to topple his government if the deal includes PA involvement or halts the war prematurely.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared Gaza must never return to PA control, while Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of National Security, warned against concessions.

Netanyahu is expected to reassure his allies by stressing skepticism over Hamas’s acceptance, allowing Israel to continue operations if the group refuses.

The US Role and Trump’s Ambitions

For Trump, the deal represents a potential foreign policy triumph — and perhaps a stepping stone toward his long-sought Nobel Peace Prize.

The White House says Arab and European governments asked Trump to personally chair the Board of Peace. While Trump joked he was “very busy,” he agreed, insisting world leaders wanted him to lead.

The plan also builds on Trump’s earlier Abraham Accords, which normalized ties between Israel and Gulf states, and could expand them further if the Gaza war ends.

Also Read: Trump Pushes Gaza Peace Plan: Israeli Exit, Arab Troops, No Hamas

Obstacles and Skepticism

Despite international backing, major challenges remain:

• Hamas’s stance on disarmament remains uncertain.
• Israeli far-right ministers oppose any concessions.
• Trust deficits between Israelis, Palestinians, and mediators could derail talks.
• Past ceasefires collapsed quickly, including one in March 2025 after Israel resumed strikes.

Critics also argue the plan is tilted toward Israeli security demands, with Hamas sidelined and Palestinian sovereignty left vague.

Also Read: Hamas military leader in Gaza objects to ceasefire plan, BBC understands

The Human Cost of War

The Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to 250 hostages being taken, has devastated the region.

• 66,055 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
• 17,000 of the dead are children.
• Israel has lost hundreds of soldiers in its ground campaign.
• The UN has confirmed famine in Gaza City and accused Israel of genocide, a charge Israel rejects.

The families of hostages remain torn between hope and despair, urging both Trump and Netanyahu to “move forward” with the deal before it’s too late.

Conclusion: Hope and Hesitation

Trump’s Gaza peace plan has generated unprecedented international support, with backing from Arab, European, and Asian leaders. Netanyahu cautiously endorsed it, while Modi called it a viable path to peace.

Yet, the plan’s success hinges on Hamas. If the group agrees, Gaza could see relief, reconstruction, and a chance at statehood. If not, Israel vows to “finish the job” militarily, and the cycle of war may continue.

For now, the world waits — holding its breath to see whether this “historic day for peace” will indeed mark the end of one of the bloodiest chapters in Middle East history.