Trump, Netanyahu Present Ultimatum to Hamas with New Gaza Peace Proposal

The Israel-Hamas war has reached what many describe as its most decisive turning point in two years, after U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a sweeping peace proposal in Washington on September 29.

Speaking at their fourth White House meeting this year, Trump presented a “20-point plan to secure peace in Gaza,” warning Hamas to accept the terms or face destruction. The proposal, developed with backing from regional powers, lays out a pathway to end hostilities while dismantling Hamas’ political and military control.

“If rejected, the U.S. will fully support Israel’s campaign to annihilate Hamas,” Trump declared at a joint press conference. “Hamas must now choose between peace and survival.”

Core Points of the Proposal

• Hostages Freed: All Israeli hostages—living and deceased—would be returned within 72 hours.
• Military Withdrawal: Israel would begin a phased pullback from Gaza.
• Disarmament: Hamas’ tunnels and weapons stockpiles would be destroyed under international supervision.
• Transitional Authority: A new governing body, backed by international institutions, would administer Gaza.
• Humanitarian Relief: Full-scale aid operations, led by the United Nations and NGOs, would resume immediately.
• Amnesty & Asylum: Hamas fighters willing to disarm could receive amnesty or safe passage abroad.
• No Permanent Occupation: Israel would neither annex nor permanently occupy Gaza.

The plan also prohibits forced displacement of Palestinians and includes provisions for prisoner exchanges.

Netanyahu’s Backing

Netanyahu, standing alongside Trump, endorsed the proposal, saying it aligned with Israel’s war objectives.
“This plan ensures the return of our hostages, dismantles Hamas’ rule, and guarantees Gaza will never again threaten Israel,” he said. He warned that if Hamas rejected the deal or tried to stall, Israel would “finish the mission” with U.S. backing.

Diplomatic Outreach

In a significant move, the White House announced a new consultative body involving the U.S., Israel, and Qatar—seen as crucial since Qatar remains Hamas’ primary mediator. Netanyahu also personally called Qatar’s prime minister to apologize for civilian casualties in a recent Israeli strike on Doha, signaling efforts to bring Qatar firmly into the peace process.

Regional players including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Türkiye, and the UAE welcomed the proposal. The Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank, described Trump’s efforts as “serious and determined,” while foreign leaders in Europe praised the plan as an opportunity to halt the bloodshed.

Hamas Response

According to Qatari intermediaries, Hamas has received the proposal and promised to review it. But analysts remain doubtful. “The plan essentially strips Hamas of all power it has held for years,” noted The Guardian, adding that Hamas may view the arrangement as a forced surrender.

Another sticking point is the absence of a clear roadmap for Palestinian statehood. While Trump hinted that “self-determination could follow once the Palestinian Authority is reformed,” Netanyahu later clarified that the plan does not include recognition of a Palestinian state. “Rewarding terrorism with statehood is unacceptable,” he said in a video message.

The Stakes

As the war enters its third year since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and triggered the ongoing conflict, the world now waits on Hamas’ decision. For Trump, Netanyahu, and their Arab allies, the proposal represents the most ambitious attempt yet to break the deadlock.

“All Arab and Islamic countries support this plan,” Trump declared. “Now only Hamas remains.”