Trump and Netanyahu Say They’ve Agreed to a Plan to End Gaza War and Await Hamas to Accept Terms

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shakes hands with President Donald Trump after a news conference in the State Dining Room of the White House, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday that they have agreed on a plan to end the war in Gaza, though it remains uncertain whether Hamas will accept the terms.

President Trump unveiled a 20-point peace plan aimed at halting the Israel-Hamas conflict and creating a framework for postwar governance in Gaza. The proposal calls for the establishment of a temporary governing board chaired by Trump, alongside former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The plan does not require Palestinians to leave Gaza and would bring an immediate end to hostilities if both sides agree. It also demands that Hamas release all remaining hostages within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance of the deal.

Trump assured Israel of America’s full support should Hamas reject the plan.

“I think we are beyond very close,” Trump said at a joint press conference with Netanyahu. “We’re not quite finished. We have to get Hamas.”

Netanyahu echoed that sentiment, warning that Israel would complete the mission with or without Hamas’ cooperation:

“This can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done.”

Trump urged Palestinians to embrace the deal and “take responsibility for their destiny.”

Netanyahu’s Apology to Qatar

During his visit, Netanyahu also sought to repair ties with Qatar following an Israeli strike earlier this month that targeted Hamas leaders in Doha. The strike inadvertently killed a Qatari serviceman, sparking outrage across the Gulf and rare criticism from Washington.

Netanyahu apologized directly to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in what Trump described as a “heart-to-heart” conversation. According to the White House, Netanyahu expressed regret and pledged that Israel would not conduct similar strikes in the future.

The apology comes at a delicate moment: Israel is facing growing international isolation, tensions within Netanyahu’s governing coalition, and signs of impatience from Washington.

Key Elements of Trump’s Plan

Immediate ceasefire upon acceptance.
Release of all hostages within 48–72 hours.
Amnesty for Hamas members who disarm and commit to peaceful coexistence.
Safe passage for Hamas fighters who choose to leave Gaza.
Gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Establishment of an international security force in Gaza.
Civilian administration to be overseen by a Palestinian technocratic committee, with eventual transfer of authority to a reformed Palestinian Authority.

Trump emphasized that the deal does not call for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. Instead, it seeks to dismantle Hamas’ control while providing a pathway to stability and reconstruction.

While the plan offers a potential breakthrough, Hamas has not yet signaled acceptance. The group has long resisted disarmament, one of Netanyahu’s central conditions for any lasting truce.

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