By DAYO ADESULU
Jerusalem, Israel – U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday unveiled a sweeping new peace proposal aimed at ending the Gaza war, freeing hostages, and laying the groundwork for what Trump described as “eternal peace” in the Middle East.
Speaking at their fourth White House meeting this year, Trump said the plan includes the release of all 48 Israeli hostages—living and deceased—within 72 hours, in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences. The deal also calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“This is a historic day for peace,” Trump declared. “Prime Minister Netanyahu and I have discussed Iran, trade, the Abraham Accords, and most importantly, how to end the war in Gaza. This plan brings us closer to eternal peace in the Middle East.”
Key Details of Trump’s Peace Plan
Hostage exchange: 48 Israeli hostages to be returned in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners.
Demilitarization of Gaza: Arab and Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Jordan, Turkey, and Indonesia, would lead efforts to dismantle Hamas’ military infrastructure.
Hamas amnesty option: Fighters who surrender weapons would receive amnesty and safe passage out of Gaza.
Board of Peace: A new international body, chaired by Trump and involving regional players such as the UAE and Azerbaijan, would oversee Gaza’s disarmament.
Conditional Palestinian statehood: The plan leaves open a “credible pathway” to Palestinian self-determination, but only if the Palestinian Authority (PA) undergoes deep reforms.
Netanyahu Backs Plan, Apologizes to Qatar
Netanyahu endorsed the proposal, saying it meets Israel’s core objectives:
“It will return our hostages, dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities, end its rule, and ensure Gaza never again threatens Israel.”
In a rare move, Netanyahu also apologized to Qatar during a trilateral call with its prime minister and foreign minister over an Israeli operation that inadvertently killed a Qatari citizen. “Israel was targeting terrorists, not Qatar. We regret the loss of innocent life,” he said.
Conditions for Palestinian Authority Reforms
Trump’s plan conditions any future Palestinian state on sweeping PA reforms. Netanyahu stressed these must include:
Ending the “pay-to-slay” policy for militants.
Removing anti-Israel incitement from school textbooks and media.
Halting legal actions against Israel at the ICC and ICJ.
Officially recognizing Israel as a Jewish state.
Uncertain Hamas Response
Trump warned Hamas directly: “Everyone else supports this plan. If Hamas refuses, Prime Minister Netanyahu will have our full backing to finish the job.”
Netanyahu confirmed that if Hamas agrees, Israel would begin a “modest withdrawal” from Gaza as hostages are released, with full demilitarization to follow under international supervision.
For now, the world waits to see whether Hamas will accept the deal or risk further escalation.
