On September 29, 2025, the White House unveiled a sweeping 20-point plan to end the nearly two-year-old war in Gaza, following a high-profile meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The announcement, made against a backdrop of mounting international pressure and escalating violence, marks the most ambitious diplomatic push yet to halt the bloodshed in the battered Palestinian enclave.
According to The Express and statements from the White House, the so-called "Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict" hinges on a ceasefire, a swift exchange of hostages and prisoners, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the establishment of a transitional government led by an international body. The plan, crafted by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's first-term Middle East adviser Jared Kushner, aims to address both immediate humanitarian concerns and the long-term political future of Gaza.
"If we work together, we can bring an end to the death and destruction that we've seen for so many years, decades, even centuries, and begin a new chapter of security, peace and prosperity for the entire region," President Trump declared at a joint news conference with Netanyahu. The president expressed optimism, telling reporters, "I'm very confident," when asked about the prospects for peace. Yet, he cautioned that the deal's success ultimately depends on Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, which has not yet agreed to the proposal.
Netanyahu, for his part, described the plan as a "critical step" toward ending the war and achieving peace. He thanked Trump for his leadership and, according to the White House, agreed to the U.S.-sponsored framework. This marks Netanyahu's fourth visit to Washington since Trump returned to office in January 2025, underscoring the urgency and gravity of the situation.
The plan's key provisions include an immediate ceasefire upon mutual agreement, followed by the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas within 48 to 72 hours. In exchange, Palestinian prisoners held by Israel would be freed. The proposal also calls for a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the creation of a transitional governing authority overseen by an international body. Notably, the plan specifies that Gaza "will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors," and that "no Palestinians will be forcefully relocated." Israel, under the agreement, will not occupy or annex Gaza.
Trump further proposed the formation of a "Board of Peace"—a supervisory body for Gaza's redevelopment—comprising heads of state and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The plan promises the distribution of aid and the reconstruction of Gaza, aiming to transform the war-torn territory into a stable and prosperous region.
Despite the bold vision, several significant hurdles remain. Hamas, which is believed to be holding 48 hostages—20 of whom Israel believes are still alive—has not participated directly in the talks. According to an official briefed on the negotiations, Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries presented the plan to Hamas, which has agreed to "review the plan in good faith" and provide a response. The absence of Hamas from the negotiating table has raised doubts about the plan's viability, as previous U.S.-backed ceasefire efforts have faltered over similar gaps between the parties.
On the ground, the situation in Gaza remains dire. Israeli tanks pushed deeper into Gaza City on September 29, intensifying one of the largest offensives of the conflict to date. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, a staggering toll that has drawn international condemnation. The blockade and ongoing military operations have plunged the city into famine, with the world's top hunger authority warning of a full-blown crisis. Over 300,000 people have fled Gaza City in recent weeks as Israeli forces ordered evacuations to the south, but an estimated 700,000 remain trapped amid the chaos.
The humanitarian catastrophe has prompted several Arab states and United Nations experts to accuse Israel of committing genocide. These allegations, fiercely denied by Israeli officials, have further strained Israel's relations with the international community. Just last week, key Western allies—Britain, France, Canada, and Australia—formally recognized Palestinian statehood, a move sharply criticized by both the U.S. and Israel as rewarding Hamas for violence.
Egypt and Qatar, long-standing mediators in the Israel-Hamas conflict, have expressed their own concerns. Cairo, in particular, worries that the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority could be sidelined from administering Gaza under the new arrangement. Egyptian officials are also seeking guarantees that Israel will abide by the terms of any agreement once the hostages are released. These diplomatic nuances highlight the complexity of forging a lasting peace in a region scarred by decades of mistrust and intermittent violence.
Domestically, Netanyahu faces a delicate balancing act. He is under mounting pressure from the families of Israeli hostages and, according to public opinion polls, a war-weary public desperate for an end to the conflict. At the same time, his governing coalition is vulnerable to collapse if far-right ministers perceive the plan as too conciliatory toward Hamas or the Palestinians. The Israeli leader's political future may well hinge on how he navigates these competing demands.
For President Trump, the Gaza peace plan represents both a diplomatic gamble and a campaign promise. During the 2024 presidential race, he vowed to bring the conflict to a swift resolution. Since taking office, he has repeatedly claimed that a deal was within reach, only to see previous efforts unravel. This latest initiative, with its detailed roadmap and international backing, is being touted by the White House as a "game changer." Trump has reportedly discussed the ceasefire framework with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, seeking broader regional support.
Still, the path to peace is littered with obstacles. Hamas has demanded that any ceasefire include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the end of the blockade. Israeli officials, meanwhile, insist that military operations will continue until Hamas is dismantled. The plan's call for Hamas disarmament and a deradicalized Gaza is likely to be a sticking point for the militant group, which has repeatedly stated its refusal to lay down arms without significant political concessions.
As the world watches and waits, the fate of Gaza—and the prospect of a lasting peace—hangs in the balance. The next few days will be crucial as Hamas reviews the proposal and international mediators press for a breakthrough. For the people of Gaza, weary from war and deprivation, the stakes could not be higher.
With diplomatic channels buzzing and the region at a crossroads, the coming weeks will reveal whether this latest American-led initiative can finally deliver the elusive peace that has evaded generations.