Trump announces 20-point peace plan to end war in Gaza

US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace plan to end the Gaza war, backed by Israeli PM Netanyahu, proposing a technocratic government, amnesty for Hamas members, and international oversight.

Washington: US President Donald Trump has formally announced a 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

The White House released the plan on Monday as Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.

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While addressing the media alongside Netanyahu, Trump said if Hamas accepts the proposal, the hostages would be released and the war would end.

“Now it’s time for Hamas to accept the terms of the plan that we’ve put forward today. I’m hearing Hamas wants to get this done,” Trump said.

However, he warned that if Hamas rejects the plan, “Israel would have my full backing to finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas.”

Netanyahu also announced his support for the peace plan, saying that it achieves Israel’s “war aims” but warned of consequences if Hamas does not agree.

“It can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way,” Netanyahu said.

Trump’s plan outlines the establishment of a temporary technocratic government in Gaza, with Israel pledging not to annex the Strip and ensuring that no residents are forced to leave. The agreement calls for an immediate end to the war if accepted, with all captives, both alive and deceased, returned within 72 hours.

The government in Gaza would be overseen by an international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump, with other members including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body would handle funding and redevelopment until the Palestinian Authority completes a reform program to take back control.

Hamas members who commit to peace would receive amnesty, while others would be offered safe passage abroad. Security in Gaza would be managed by regional and international forces, who would also help train Palestinian police, while aid would flow in at agreed levels. The US would facilitate further dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians to support long-term coexistence.

Riyad Mansour, head of the Palestine Mission to the United Nations, speaking at a Security Council meeting before Trump’s announcement, reiterated the Palestinian Authority’s readiness to work with Washington.

“We reiterate Palestine’s readiness to work with President Trump and the US administration with Saudi Arabia and regional actors, with your European partners and the members of this distinguished Security Council, with the entire international community,” Mansour said.

The war in Gaza began almost two years ago, when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Around 48 people are believed to remain in captivity, with about 20 thought to be alive.

Pressure has been growing on Israel to end the war, with more than 66,000 Palestinians reported killed and much of Gaza reduced to rubble.