Hamas is reviewing a peace proposal from President Donald Trump that would require the militant group to disarm in exchange for amnesty, as world leaders express cautious optimism about the unprecedented initiative.
The sweeping 20-point plan, unveiled by Trump alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would place Gaza under temporary U.S. administration as part of what Trump calls his vision for “eternal peace in the Middle East.” Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair would join a transitional board overseeing the process if Hamas accepts the terms.
The proposal has drawn broad international support. Foreign ministers from eight nations—the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan—issued a joint statement praising Trump’s “leadership and sincere efforts to end the war in Gaza.” They emphasized their readiness to work toward implementing the deal, which they believe should ultimately lead to a two-state solution integrating Gaza with the West Bank.
European leaders were similarly encouraging. European Council President Antonio Costa said he was “encouraged by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s positive response,” urging all parties to “seize this moment to give peace a genuine chance.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Hamas to “end the misery by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages.” French President Emmanuel Macron pledged France’s support, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the proposal as “a turning point,” insisting Hamas must have no future governance role.
Under the plan’s terms, Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and surrender their weapons would receive amnesty. Hamas officials stated they are reviewing the proposal “in good faith.”
However, the initiative has sparked fierce opposition within Israel’s government. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned it as a “historic missed opportunity” that will “end in tears,” reflecting broader right-wing concerns about the concessions involved.
Netanyahu delivered a stark warning alongside his public support for the deal: Israel would “finish the job by itself” if Hamas rejects the proposal. Trump confirmed the Israeli leader would have his “full backing” to resume military operations in that scenario.
The conflict began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,219 people, predominantly civilians. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has devastated Gaza, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting 66,055 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians—figures the United Nations considers reliable.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the international community watches closely to see whether Hamas will accept terms that would fundamentally reshape Gaza’s political landscape and potentially end one of the region’s most intractable conflicts.
