WASHINGTON, Sept 30: US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have announced a new peace plan aimed at halting the Gaza war. The proposal demands Hamas release 20 Israeli hostages and the remains of others within 72 hours, in return for the release of hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, the BBC reported.
The BBC reports that a Palestinian source confirmed Hamas has received the White House’s 20-point proposal. The plan rules out any governing role for Hamas in Gaza while leaving open the possibility of a future Palestinian state, the BBC said.
At a White House press briefing, Trump called the agreement “a historic day for peace,” the BBC said. He warned that if Hamas rejected it, the US would back Israel in “finishing the job” against the group. Netanyahu, standing beside him, declared that Israel would act decisively if Hamas refused to comply.
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The BBC noted that the Palestinian Authority described Trump’s effort as “sincere and determined.” Through its WAFA news agency, it pledged to cooperate with Washington and regional partners to secure an end to the war, facilitate aid to Gaza, and ensure the release of hostages and detainees.
Under the proposal, military operations would stop immediately, the BBC explained. Battle lines would remain frozen until withdrawal conditions were met. Hamas would be required to dismantle its tunnels, weapons, and manufacturing sites. Israel, in turn, would return the bodies of 15 Palestinians for every deceased Israeli hostage handed over.
The plan includes provisions for aid, promising an immediate flow of relief into Gaza once both parties sign on. It also outlines a temporary administration: a non-partisan Palestinian committee supervised by a new international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump himself. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has been named as a participant, describing the plan as “bold and intelligent,” added the BBC.
According to the BBC, the proposal has won endorsements from European leaders. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged Hamas to accept the deal, while European Council President Antonio Costa said it could offer a “genuine chance” for peace. French President Emmanuel Macron added that France stood ready to support the plan and highlighted the importance of progressing toward a two-state solution.
Washington has promised Gaza will not be annexed by Israel. Instead, forces would leave gradually, while reconstruction would be guided by what the US calls an “economic development plan.” Unlike Trump’s past remarks, the document does not propose mass displacement of Palestinians but encourages them to remain and rebuild, the BBC said.
Palestinian sources saying Qatari and Egyptian officials have passed the plan to Hamas leaders in Doha. A Hamas representative told the BBC the group would study the proposal but insisted that Palestinian rights, a full Israeli withdrawal, and eventual statehood must be guaranteed. The official rejected disarmament, calling weapons a “red line” until occupation ends, the BCC stated.
The BBC recalls that the announcement came days after Netanyahu denounced Western recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, calling it a “mark of shame.” His address sparked walkouts from numerous diplomats, leaving the hall half-empty.
