U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly unveiled 20-point proposal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza has drawn widespread international support but faces sharp criticism from Palestinian groups and segments of Israel’s far-right coalition, with Hamas expected to reject it within days. Announced on September 29, 2025, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the plan demands Hamas’s full disarmament, hostage releases, and a transitional authority excluding the group from governance, while promising reconstruction and a phased Israeli withdrawal. As Israeli airstrikes killed at least 59 Palestinians in Gaza on Wednesday, Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas: accept within three to four days or face severe consequences, potentially prolonging the nearly two-year war that has claimed over 67,000 lives.
The proposal, crafted with input from Netanyahu and figures like former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, aims to end hostilities sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Endorsed by Arab states including Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as European allies and even Pope Leo XIV, it positions Trump as a central mediator in post-war Gaza administration. However, Hamas officials described it as “biased” and a tool for Israeli dominance, while Netanyahu’s ultranationalist partners warned it endangers Israel’s security.
International and Regional Backing Builds Momentum
Leaders across the globe have signaled readiness to support implementation, viewing the plan as a pragmatic step toward stability. Qatar’s foreign ministry expressed optimism, stating it is a “comprehensive” framework that could facilitate aid and reconstruction. Egypt, a key mediator, welcomed the emphasis on hostage releases and humanitarian corridors, pledging logistical assistance. The European Union affirmed its commitment, with a spokesperson noting, “President Trump’s Gaza plan is an opportunity for lasting peace. It offers the best immediate chance to end the war. The EU is ready to help it succeed.”
Even China and Russia, often at odds with U.S. policy, declared backing, highlighting the plan’s potential to de-escalate regional tensions. Pope Leo XIV, speaking from Castel Gandolfo, called it “realistic” and urged Hamas to accept, saying, “There are very interesting elements. We hope Hamas accepts within the established timeframe.” The Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank praised Trump’s “sincere and determined efforts,” though it conditioned its involvement on internal reforms.
These endorsements reflect a diplomatic push from Muslim-majority nations, with Qatar and Turkey hosting Hamas consultations to encourage agreement. Analysts suggest this pressure could sway the group, but rejection risks isolating it further amid ongoing Israeli operations.
Divisions Within Israel: Support Meets Fierce Opposition
Netanyahu has publicly endorsed the plan, framing it as a victory that achieves Israel’s war goals without conceding to Palestinian statehood. In a video message post-announcement, he stated, “I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which achieves our war aims. It will bring back to Israel all our hostages, living and dead.” During a White House press conference, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s right to act unilaterally if needed, adding, “If Hamas rejects your plan, Mr. President, or if they supposedly accept it and then basically do everything to counter it, then Israel will finish the job by itself.” Trump responded affirmatively, assuring “full backing” for such measures.
Yet, Netanyahu faces backlash from his far-right coalition partners, who view the proposal as a concession. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich labeled it a “resounding diplomatic failure,” predicting, “In my estimation, it will also end in tears. Our children will be forced to fight in Gaza again.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir echoed this, calling it “full of holes” and “dangerous to Israel’s security.” These critics oppose any phased withdrawal or international oversight, fearing it weakens Israel’s hold on Gaza. A formal cabinet vote is pending, raising questions about Netanyahu’s ability to unify his government.
Palestinian Skepticism and Hamas’s Dilemma
In Gaza, residents and factions expressed deep distrust, seeing the plan as a veiled demand for capitulation. A 39-year-old programmer sheltering in southern Gaza told AFP, “It’s clear that this plan is unrealistic. It’s drafted with conditions that the US and Israel know Hamas will never accept. For us, that means the war and the suffering will continue.” Hamas, reviewing the terms in Doha with Qatari and Turkish officials, indicated reluctance to disarm or relinquish power. A senior figure told the BBC, “The proposal serves Israel’s interests and ignores those of the Palestinian people.” Another source described it as “unjust and biased,” objecting to the exclusion of Hamas from governance and the deployment of a multinational force.
Allied group Islamic Jihad accused Israel of using the plan to “impose what it could not achieve through war.” Mediators report Hamas seeking more time, but Trump’s deadline adds urgency, with one official warning rejection could lead to a “very sad end.” The plan’s call for releasing all hostages within 72 hours and freeing over 2,000 Palestinian prisoners offers leverage, but demilitarization remains a non-starter for many.
Core Provisions: A Roadmap with Strings Attached
The 20-point outline prioritizes security for Israel while addressing humanitarian needs. Key elements include an immediate ceasefire, full hostage repatriation, Hamas’s surrender of weapons to international monitors, and Gaza’s designation as a “de-radicalized, terror-free zone.” A “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump and including Blair and Arab representatives, would oversee a transitional government, barring hostile factions. Reconstruction funding from global donors would follow, contingent on compliance. Amnesty for cooperating militants is offered, but the Palestinian Authority’s role hinges on reforms, potentially sidelining it further.
Critics argue it buries the two-state solution, reinforcing Israeli control under the guise of peace.s
With Hamas’s response due imminently, the plan teeters on the brink. Acceptance could halt strikes and unlock aid, but rejection might embolden Israel’s offensive, backed by U.S. arms and intelligence. Trump warned during a Quantico speech to military leaders, “We have one signature that we need, and that signature will pay in hell if they don’t sign.” Netanyahu’s weekend call with Trump reportedly included a stern message: “If you refuse, you’ll be left alone,” per Axios, underscoring U.S. pressure on Israel too.
Negotiations in Qatar continue, but as bombardments persist, the window for peace narrows. Past U.S. efforts, like the 2017 “Deal of the Century,” faltered over similar imbalances, leaving Gaza in ruins. This proposal’s fate could redefine Middle East dynamics or deepen the divide.
Historical Context: Echoes of Failed Initiatives
The Gaza conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, with Hamas’s assault killing 1,219 mostly civilians in Israel, per official tallies. Israel’s retaliation has devastated the enclave, killing 66,097 mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, figures deemed reliable by the United Nations. Previous ceasefires, brokered by Egypt and Qatar in 2021 and 2023, collapsed amid mutual violations, highlighting enforcement challenges. Trump’s 2020 Abraham Accords normalized Israel-Arab ties but sidelined Palestinians, fueling resentment. This plan, while ambitious, risks similar pitfalls without buy-in from all parties.
