TL;DR: The Palestinian Authority welcomed President Trump’s new 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, calling it a sincere effort for peace. Many Gaza residents, however, rejected the plan as unrealistic and unlikely to stop the conflict.
What Happened
- On September 29, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point Gaza peace plan aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas war.
- The Palestinian Authority (PA) publicly supported the plan, calling it a “sincere and determined effort” and committing to work with the U.S. and others toward peace.
- The PA pledged to hold new elections, end payments to families of attackers, and build a “modern, democratic, and non-militarized” Palestinian state.
- The plan proposes an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages by Hamas within 72 hours, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Plan Details
- Gaza would be temporarily governed by a technocratic Palestinian committee under an international “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump.
- Hamas would be excluded from political power but granted amnesty if members disarm and leave politics.
- Key points include:
- Demilitarization of Gaza, including dismantling tunnels and weapons.
- Creation of an International Stabilization Force for security.
- Establishment of a special economic zone for reconstruction.
- No forced displacement of Palestinians or Israeli annexation of Gaza.
- Israel would release 1,950 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences.
Who Said What
- Palestinian Authority Statement:
- Ibrahim Joudeh, Gaza resident (AFP):
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the plan and said Israel has full U.S. backing to act if Hamas rejects it.
“We have affirmed our desire for a modern, democratic, and non-militarized Palestinian state, committed to pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power.”
“It’s clear that this plan is unrealistic. It’s drafted with conditions that the US and Israel know Hamas will never accept. For us, that means the war and the suffering will continue.”
Regional and Global Reactions
- The plan received backing from the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
- Hamas has not formally responded but has received the proposal through mediators.
Background Context
- The conflict in Gaza began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
- As of September 28, 2025, the Gaza Health Ministry reports over 66,000 Palestinian deaths.
- Trump’s previous Mideast plan in 2020 failed to gain traction, but this proposal introduces structured governance and reconstruction mechanisms.