Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have unveiled a 20-point peace proposal for Gaza, issuing a stark warning to Hamas: accept the deal or face severe repercussions.
The leaders, speaking at a joint White House press briefing, described the plan as a “historic breakthrough” for the Middle East. The proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, a staged Israeli withdrawal, and the disarmament of Hamas. It also outlines the creation of a transitional governing body led by an international board, with Trump himself at the helm alongside former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Hamas officials, however, said they had not been consulted before the announcement. Mediators from Qatar and Egypt later delivered the plan for review. Mahmoud Mardawi, a Hamas representative, confirmed the group had not received the proposal at the time of its release.
Both Trump and Netanyahu emphasized that rejection would trigger harsher measures. Trump stated, “If Hamas refuses, Israel would have my full backing to finish the job.” Netanyahu reinforced this message, warning that Israel would act unilaterally if necessary: “This can be done the easy way or the hard way, but it will be done.”
The plan also offers amnesty for Hamas members who renounce violence and promises safe passage for those choosing to leave Gaza. Trump has promoted an economic revival scheme for the enclave, envisioning large-scale investments to transform it into what he once called a “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Despite the ambitious blueprint, critics remain skeptical. A leaked draft suggested that key Palestinian political figures would be sidelined in postwar governance. While international leaders have cautiously welcomed the proposal, many in Gaza fear it prioritizes political optics over meaningful reconciliation.
The coming days will test whether Hamas engages with the proposal or resists it outright—setting the stage for either a fragile step toward peace or a renewed cycle of escalation in the region.
