By DAYO ADESULU
WASHINGTON/GAZA — A new U.S.-brokered proposal to end the devastating Gaza conflict has drawn support from European and Middle Eastern leaders, even as divisions emerged between Washington’s text and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s interpretation.
The 20-point plan, unveiled at the White House by President Donald Trump alongside Netanyahu, demands an immediate ceasefire, the release of 20 living Israeli hostages within 72 hours, and the return of the remains of over two dozen others believed dead. In exchange, Israel would free hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
Trump described the initiative as “a historic day for peace,” but issued a blunt warning to Hamas: “Accept this deal or face the consequences.” He pledged U.S. backing for Israel to “finish the job of destroying Hamas” should the group reject or violate the agreement.
Netanyahu echoed the threat, declaring Israel “will finish the job” if Hamas does not comply.
Netanyahu Pushes Back on Key Elements
While the White House text leaves open the prospect of a future Palestinian state and stipulates that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would eventually withdraw from Gaza, Netanyahu later contradicted both points.
“It’s not written in the agreement. We said we would strongly oppose a Palestinian state,” Netanyahu said in a video statement. He also insisted the IDF would remain in Gaza, contrary to the U.S. version of the plan.
The plan further stipulates that Hamas would have no role in Gaza’s future governance, leaving open the possibility of an interim international administration or a return to Palestinian Authority control.
Global Support
The Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the occupied West Bank, cautiously welcomed the U.S. effort. Through its Wafa news agency, the PA said it “renews its joint commitment to work with the United States, regional states, and partners” to end the war, deliver humanitarian aid, and ensure the release of hostages and prisoners.
In a rare show of unity, the foreign ministers of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan praised Trump’s “sincere efforts to end the war in Gaza.” Their joint statement tied support for the plan to an eventual two-state solution, under which Gaza would be fully integrated with the West Bank under a Palestinian state.
European leaders also voiced cautious optimism. European Council President Antonio Costa said he was “encouraged by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s positive response” and urged all sides to “seize this moment to give peace a genuine chance.”
The Road Ahead
A Palestinian source confirmed to the BBC that Hamas has received the full 20-point proposal and is considering its response. The group has not yet issued an official statement.
For now, the peace plan has opened a fragile diplomatic window: hailed abroad as a breakthrough, doubted within Israel’s leadership, and still untested in Hamas’s hands.
