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President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a joint press conference at the White House on Monday (September 29), announcing a potential peace deal for Gaza. The White House released a 20-point plan aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The plan requires Israeli forces to withdraw to an agreed line and mandates the release of all hostages within 72 hours if both sides agree to the proposal.
President Trump expressed optimism about the deal, stating, "If Hamas rejects the deal, which is always possible — they're the only one left, everyone else has accepted it, but I have a feeling that we're going to have a positive answer." He assured Netanyahu of full U.S. support to take necessary actions if Hamas does not agree to the terms.
The plan outlines a ceasefire, suspension of military operations, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops. It also proposes a transitional governance structure for Gaza, involving a technocratic Palestinian committee overseen by an international body, the 'Board of Peace,' chaired by President Trump. The plan emphasizes redevelopment for Gaza's benefit and provides amnesty for Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and disarmament.
Netanyahu expressed regret over a recent Israeli strike in Qatar that unintentionally killed a Qatari serviceman. He assured Qatar of Israel's commitment to respecting its sovereignty in the future.
The peace proposal has been shared with leaders from several nations, including Qatar, UAE, and Jordan, and has received a largely positive response. However, some Israeli officials, like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have expressed concerns, demanding a complete withdrawal of Hamas and no Palestinian Authority involvement in Gaza's governance.
The plan's acceptance would lead to immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza, administered by the United Nations. The timeline for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces remains unspecified, but it is tied to establishing a stabilization force from surrounding Arab states.