White House proposes peace plan to end Israel's war in Gaza
- The White House released a 20-point plan to address the conflict in Gaza, including a commitment to release Israeli hostages and a withdrawal of troops.
- The Palestinian Authority expressed support for this initiative, while Hamas's acceptance of the plan is crucial for ending the war.
- The announcement marks a significant diplomatic effort from the U.S. to influence the peace process in the Middle East.
On September 29, 2025, the White House released a detailed 20-point plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas. This announcement came shortly after a meeting between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office, underlining the U.S.'s role in international diplomacy concerning the Middle East. The plan, described by Trump as a 'deal for peace', includes provisions for the release of all Israeli hostages within 72 hours, a modest withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the establishment of a new international oversight body referred to as the Board of Peace. The Board of Peace is intended to be co-chaired by Trump and comprises leaders from the Arab world as well as from Israel and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank and opposes Hamas, expressed support for the initiative, indicating their readiness to implement necessary reforms in response. Trump emphasized that the continuation of the war depends on Hamas's acceptance of the plan, while he indicated that if rejected, Netanyahu would have full backing to act against the group, which the U.S. and Israel view as a significant security threat. Netanyahu commented on the proposed strategy, stating that Israel's future withdrawals from Gaza will be dependent on the level of disarmament and demilitarization of Hamas. He reinforced the notion that Israel would retain some security presence in the area for the foreseeable future, implying a cautious approach to any potential changes in military strategy. During the announcement, both Trump and Netanyahu refrained from answering any questions posed by the media, maintaining a controlled atmosphere regarding their discussions. This new development is a significant moment in U.S.-Middle Eastern relations, especially considering the recent actions of several Western nations that have recognized Palestinian statehood, which Netanyahu has criticized as detrimental to Israeli security. Trump's comments during the press announcement encouraged Palestinians to take responsibility for their destiny, starkly illustrating the challenging balance of power in the region and reflecting broader geopolitical tensions. The plan signals a crucial effort towards attempting to navigate the complex dynamics of this long-standing conflict.