US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu say they have agreed on a new peace plan for Gaza, warning Hamas to accept it or face consequences.
The proposed plan includes the immediate cessation of military operations, with Hamas expected to release 20 living Israeli hostages and the remains of hostages believed dead within 72 hours, in exchange for the release of hundreds of detained Gazans.
According to a Palestinian source familiar with the negotiations, Hamas officials have received a White House-proposed 20-point plan which stipulates that Hamas will have no governing role in Gaza. The proposal leaves room for the emergence of a future Palestinian state.
Speaking at a press conference after talks at the White House, Trump heralded the plan as a historic day for peace, while stating that Netanyahu would have US backing if Hamas refuses to comply. Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, indicating Israel would act if the plan is rejected.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the initiative, urging all parties to collaborate with the US to finalize the agreement and alleviate the ongoing crisis.
The plan's initial phase calls for military operations to cease, with existing battle lines frozen until further conditions are met for a multi-step withdrawal. Hamas is required to disarm, and its production facilities dismantled in accordance with the plan.
Following the release of hostages, Israel would reciprocate by freeing detained Gazans, with additional stipulations for humanitarian aid to flow immediately into Gaza.
The US's vision for Gaza also includes the installation of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee to supervise governance under an international body led by Trump and former UK PM Tony Blair, among others.
In a significant departure from prior policies, the proposal ensures Palestinians are not compelled to leave Gaza, with an intention to foster conditions for them to improve life in the region.
Despite the hopeful tone of the plan, challenges remain, as Hamas has indicated any acceptance is contingent upon safeguarding Palestinian interests, including a full Israeli withdrawal and resolution of the conflict.
The announcement follows a backdrop of intensified military actions, with over 66,000 reported deaths linked to ongoing hostilities in Gaza since October 2023, raising pressing humanitarian concerns in the territory.
