By preeti jain
Washington, D.C.
U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a new 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza on September 29, 2025. The proposal came after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. It has won quick support from many countries, including Arab nations and Western leaders. But some Palestinian groups worry it favors Israel.
The war began in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel. Israel responded with a major military push in Gaza. Over 66,000 Palestinians have died, and much of Gaza lies in ruins, according to health officials there. About 251 hostages were taken by Hamas at the start. Only a few have been freed.
Trump’s plan calls for an immediate end to fighting. Key steps include:
- Hamas must free all remaining hostages, both alive and dead, within 48 hours.
- Hamas fighters who agree to live in peace and give up weapons can stay in Gaza with amnesty.
- Those who want to leave can get safe passage out.
- Full humanitarian aid would flow into Gaza right away, including food, water fixes, hospital repairs, and rubble removal.
- An international force would help keep security.
- Gaza would get a temporary government run by neutral Palestinian experts and global helpers. A “Board of Peace” led by Trump would oversee it. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is on the board.
- Israel would pull out troops step by step, but keep a border watch until threats are gone.
- No land grabs in the West Bank, and steps toward a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine live side by side.
Netanyahu called the plan a “critical step” to meet Israel’s goals. He said Israel would keep fighting if Hamas says no.
Strong Backing from the Region
The Palestinian Authority (PA), which runs the West Bank, welcomed the effort. “We trust the U.S. to find a path to peace,” a PA statement said. It wants aid, hostage releases, full Israeli pullout, and unity between Gaza and the West Bank under one Palestinian state. The plan should end the occupation and follow U.N. rules.
A group of Arab and Muslim countries – Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE – issued a joint note of praise. They back Trump’s “sincere efforts” to stop the war, rebuild Gaza, and block any Palestinian displacement. They want a full deal with aid, security for all, and a two-state path to lasting peace.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked Trump for his “leadership to halt the bloodshed.” Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Durable peace is key for the region. I laud Trump’s role.” He stressed the need for a two-state deal.
Mixed Views from Palestinians
Hamas said it is reviewing the plan “in good faith.” But the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another armed group, slammed it as a “recipe to blow up the region.” They see it as a U.S.-Israeli push to keep attacking Palestinians.
Western Leaders Cheer On
In Europe, support poured in fast.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Israel must act on the plan. “Hamas has no choice but to free all hostages,” he posted on X. He wants talks for lasting peace based on a two-state solution backed by 142 U.N. nations.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged everyone to work with the U.S. “Hamas should lay down arms and end the misery,” he said. Ex-UK leader Tony Blair, now on Trump’s peace board, called it “bold and intelligent.” It could bring relief to Gaza and security to Israel, he added.
Italy said the plan could “mark a turning point” with no more fighting, hostage releases, and safe aid access. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a sharp critic of Israel’s actions, agreed. “End the suffering now,” he said on X. “The two-state solution is the only way.”
Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz praised Trump on X. “Now is the time for initiative,” he wrote. He wants hostages home, Hamas gone, and Arab states to help run Gaza.
Questions Linger
The plan builds on ideas from Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and past talks. It avoids Trump’s earlier idea to “own” Gaza. But experts wonder if it will stick. Hamas has not fully agreed yet. Netanyahu has blocked deals before by adding demands. With the war’s two-year mark near, pressure is high.
If it works, the plan could rebuild Gaza with Arab funds and open doors to wider Mideast peace. Trump told reporters: “We’re very, very close.” The world watches to see if words turn to action.