By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday have announced a 21-point plan to end the war in Gaza, with Trump expressed confidence that Hamas would accept the proposal.
“I’m hearing Hamas wants to get this done,” Trump said during a press briefing at the White House.
Media reported that the plan calls for an immediate halt to all military operations in Gaza, with Israeli forces withdrawing to agreed-upon lines.
All Israeli hostages, alive and deceased, would be returned within 72 hours, with Palestinian prisoners released in exchange.
Gaza would be transformed into a “de radicalized terror-free zone” with Arab and Muslim countries contributing to security efforts.
A temporary international authority would oversee Gaza’s administration, with a Palestinian technocratic authority implementing policies on the ground.
It said that unrestricted humanitarian aid would be allowed into Gaza, with international organizations overseeing distribution.
Trump said that Mr. Netanyahu expressed regret over an Israeli strike in Qatar that killed a Qatari serviceman, and pledged not to conduct similar attacks in the future. He has also agreed to the 21-point plan.
Media stated that Hamas has not officially responded to the plan, but a spokesperson indicated that the group had not received the proposal and would evaluate it based on Palestinian interests.
Arab and Muslim leaders have reportedly committed to demilitarizing Gaza and supporting the peace plan, it said.
The plan’s success depends on Hamas’ acceptance and implementation, which remains uncertain.
Netanyahu faces opposition from far-right ministers in his government, who have set conditions for any agreement, including the destruction of Hamas and no role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s governance.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering, with over 66,000 Palestinians killed and widespread destruction in Gaza, according to health authoriries.
