Trump proposes controversial peace plan to end Gaza conflict
- The peace plan includes disarming Hamas, returning hostages, and halting military operations.
- The plan proposes a technocratic governing body to manage Gaza, excluding Hamas from governance.
- There is skepticism about whether Hamas will accept the plan and end ongoing hostilities.
In a bid to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive 20-point peace plan during a press conference on September 29, 2025. The proposal seeks to address the conflicts that have escalated for nearly two years and resulted in a large number of casualties. Trump's plan, which was tabled alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlines measures for demilitarization, hostage exchanges, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza. Importantly, it also emphasizes the necessity for Hamas to cease its military operations and disarm for any peace to materialize. The peace plan includes multiple elements designed to support both Israeli security needs and the aspirations for Palestinian statehood. Among these provisions is a requirement for Hamas to return all hostages within 72 hours of accepting the deal, which Netanyahu hinted that they are considering seriously. Moreover, as part of the agreement, any military operations would be halted, allowing both parties a chance to find common ground. The document outlines a phased transfer of authority in Gaza to a neutral, technocratic governing committee, while Hamas would be excluded from any governance role. Critical to the plan is the emphasis on humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza through international organizations such as the United Nations, which is expected to operate without interference from the parties involved. Trump has projected optimism about the plan’s potential to end decades of violence in the region, expressing hope that Hamas would finally agree to the conditions set forth. Amid the backdrop of declining U.S. influence in the Middle East, the plan represents a significant diplomatic effort to rejuvenate peace talks, though many remain skeptical about its feasibility. Overall, the challenges facing this plan are substantial, particularly given the limitations of prior peace efforts and resistance from hardline factions on both sides. Netanyahu's acceptance of the plan comes with caveats regarding security control and a clear aversion to recognizing Palestinian statehood without significant conditions. His longstanding assertion that Israel must address its security needs fundamentally complicates any negotiations moving forward. Ultimately, the future of the proposal hinges on Hamas’s response and the reactions from other stakeholders in the region, which remain uncertain as of now.