Gaza – A 20-point peace proposal aimed at ending the Israeli assault on Gaza and securing the release of hostages has garnered swift, broad support from global powers and key Middle Eastern states, yet it faces critical resistance from Hamas and internal contradictions within Israel.
Unveiled by President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House this week, the plan promises an immediate ceasefire but hinges on the demilitarization of Hamas and the establishment of a transitional authority.
The proposal, which was reportedly unseen by Palestinian leaders before its announcement, was met with immediate scepticism by Hamas, which called it an “attempt to impose a new form of guardianship” on the besieged enclave.
Despite the initial backlash, a spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed mediators had delivered the text, and Hamas stated it would “study the plan” before delivering an official response.
A Framework for Transactional Peace
The core of the plan outlines a transactional path to halt the fighting. It dictates that the Israeli offensive in Gaza would cease immediately upon agreement, followed by the release of all hostages, alive and deceased, within a tight 72-hour period.
The plan guarantees that no person will be forced to leave Gaza and pledges a massive redevelopment and aid effort.
Governance in the post-war Gaza would be overseen by an international security force and a transitional authority chaired by President Trump himself, setting the stage for one of the most interventionist peace attempts in recent history.
Crucially, the plan outlines a pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood as a possibility, but not a guarantee, contingent upon security milestones and reforms by the Palestinian Authority (PA).
Unprecedented International and Regional Backing
The peace proposal quickly amassed significant diplomatic momentum. In a joint statement, a powerful bloc of nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan, welcomed the plan, praising President Trump’s efforts as “sincere.”
Support was also strong in Europe, where a number of countries that have recently recognized Palestinian statehood nonetheless urged Hamas to accept the terms.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron publicly endorsed the proposal, along with Germany and the European Union.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) also welcomed the initiative, praising Trump for his “sincere and tireless efforts” and reiterating its commitment to necessary reforms that could lead to a future state.
In Israel, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum voiced its welcome, prioritizing the immediate return of loved ones.
Hamas Rejects Guardianship, Israel Rejects Statehood
Despite the international consensus, the fundamental roadblocks remain political. The plan’s requirement for Hamas to lay down its arms is a demand the group has previously rejected outright.
Hossam Badran, a member of the Political Bureau of Hamas, reaffirmed the movement’s stance, stating they are open to all ideas “without compromising our national principles,” and asserting the right to self-determination, declaring, “we are not a minor people in need of guardianship.”
Compounding the external opposition, the plan faces severe internal contradictions within Israel’s own governing coalition. Hours after standing beside President Trump to unveil the proposal, Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed again in a Hebrew video to oppose a Palestinian state.
Furthermore, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned the early celebrations as “absurd,” warning that the agreement would only “end in tears.”
The Ultimate Stakes
The stakes of the diplomatic gamble are immense. President Trump issued a stark ultimatum, warning that if Hamas does not accept the proposal, Israel would have U.S. backing to “finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas.”
The world now waits to see if the powerful pressure of diplomatic unity can compel the warring parties to accept a proposal that offers immediate relief in exchange for deeply complex and conditional political compromises.
