U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a sweeping 20-point road map for peace in the Middle East, calling it “potentially one of the great days ever in civilisation.”
The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on Monday, September 29.
The proposal, which Trump insists could end the war in Gaza, also promises a broader framework to deliver what he described as “eternal peace in the Middle East.”
At the heart of the plan is the creation of a transitional authority for Gaza, to be led by Trump himself alongside former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair.
The body, called the Board of Peace, would oversee Gaza’s governance if Hamas agrees to the terms.
The document outlines an immediate ceasefire, contingent on Hamas releasing all 48 remaining hostages 20 alive and 28 deceased within 72 hours.
Following this, Hamas would be required to disarm and dismantle its weaponry, while Israeli forces would withdraw in phases tied to the release of the final hostages.
A “temporary international stabilisation force” would replace Israeli military governance, ushering in the transitional authority.
Trump said the role was not imposed on him but admitted, “It’s what I want due to its overwhelming importance.”
Standing beside Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu endorsed the plan, saying, “I support your plan to end the war in Gaza which achieves our war aims. This will be your crowning achievement.”
Both leaders issued a stern warning to Hamas: accept the deal or face tougher consequences.
Trump pledged America’s “full backing” for Israel if the plan is rejected, while Netanyahu added, “This can be done the easy way or the hard way, but it will be done.”
The announcement sparked immediate global responses. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the plan as “profoundly welcome” and urged Hamas to “lay down their arms and release all remaining hostages.”
Sir Tony Blair also praised the proposal as a “bold and intelligent plan.”
However, Hamas signaled resistance. Senior official Muhammed Mardawi dismissed the document as leaning too heavily toward Israel’s interests, saying it was “close to what Netanyahu insists on in order to continue the war.”
Despite its sweeping promises of aid, investment, and development, the plan has raised eyebrows because Palestinian representatives were not consulted on the details of the transitional authority.
Still, Trump insisted the goal was to give residents “the opportunity to build a better Gaza” without forced displacement.
The proposal now faces its first major test: Hamas’ response. If accepted, it could reshape the conflict and set a precedent for international involvement in Gaza’s governance.
If rejected, however, both Trump and Netanyahu made clear that Israel would have their full support to continue the military campaign.
