US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have unveiled a new peace plan for Gaza, calling on Hamas to accept it.
The proposal aims for an immediate cessation of military operations, with Hamas releasing 20 living Israeli hostages and the remains of over two dozen believed dead within 72 hours, in exchange for hundreds of detained Gazans. Hamas officials have reportedly been given the White House’s 20-point proposal.
Under the plan:
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Hamas would have no role in governing Gaza.
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Weapons and tunnels would be destroyed.
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Israel would release remains of 15 dead Gazans for each Israeli hostage returned.
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Humanitarian aid would flow immediately once both sides agree.
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A temporary, apolitical Palestinian committee, supervised by a new international body called the Board of Peace, would govern Gaza, with Trump overseeing it. Former UK PM Tony Blair will be part of the governing body.
Trump called it “a historic day for peace,” while Netanyahu warned Israel “will finish the job” if Hamas refuses the plan. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the efforts, reaffirming its commitment to work with the US and regional partners to end the war and ensure humanitarian aid and the release of hostages.
International leaders have expressed cautious support:
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Hamas to agree and end hostilities.
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EU Council President Antonio Costa encouraged all parties to seize the moment for peace.
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French President Emmanuel Macron pledged France’s support and stressed building a lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
The plan also emphasizes economic development in Gaza, a phased Israeli withdrawal, and encourages Palestinians to remain in Gaza and rebuild their lives.
Hamas has indicated openness to studying the proposal but stressed that any agreement must protect Palestinian interests, ensure a full Israeli withdrawal, and allow for a future independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders.
The announcement follows recent tensions at the UN General Assembly, where Netanyahu condemned moves by Western countries to recognize a Palestinian state, and Israel launched military operations in response to a Hamas attack in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which left over 1,200 dead and 251 hostages.
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at least 66,055 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since then, with UN reports confirming famine in Gaza City and a UN inquiry accusing Israel of genocide, which Israel denies.
Source: BBC
