After meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 29, Trump announced that the Gaza war was “close to ending” and said Netanyahu had agreed to a U.S.-drafted 20-point plan. The proposal requires Hamas to release all remaining hostages within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance. Speaking on September 30, Trump warned Hamas had “three to four days” to respond, effectively starting the countdown.
“If Hamas rejects this plan or if the agreement fails, Israel will have my full support to eliminate the threat,” Trump declared. Netanyahu echoed the warning, vowing that if Hamas refused or acted in bad faith, “Israel will finish the job.”
The plan is one of Trump’s biggest diplomatic gambles. Success would mark a breakthrough in the nearly two-year conflict, potentially unlocking broader regional initiatives—including expanding the Abraham Accords, which normalized Israel’s relations with the UAE and Bahrain under Trump’s first term.
Under the 20-point framework, Trump would chair a “Peace Council” overseeing a transitional administration in Gaza. Humanitarian aid would be directed to civilians, Arab-led peacekeepers deployed, and Israeli forces gradually withdrawn while maintaining a security buffer. Crucially, Hamas would be required to disarm and permanently relinquish power in Gaza.
Trump expressed confidence: “I believe we will have peace. Hamas is the only side yet to respond—they may reject it, but I sense we will see a positive answer.” The plan has drawn support from foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, all pledging cooperation to end the conflict and revive peace talks toward a Palestinian state.
Israel is believed to have shaped key elements of the plan. The final draft avoids explicit reference to a “two-state solution,” instead acknowledging the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. Analysts say this narrowing of gaps is notable after years of stalled diplomacy.
Still, challenges are daunting. Hamas, backed by Iran, has repeatedly rejected disarmament and loss of authority. Hardline Israeli ministers also oppose halting the war, threatening Netanyahu’s coalition if a ceasefire proceeds. Meanwhile, Arab nations may hesitate to deploy troops unless Israel halts strikes, and Israel itself is unlikely to withdraw fully until all hostages are freed.
Around 20 of 48 hostages are believed to be alive, but Arab officials say Hamas has lost contact with other groups holding captives, complicating the 72-hour deadline. Questions also surround the legitimacy of a U.S.-proposed interim authority, which might include former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Saudi Arabia and Egypt are likely to demand a clear path to Palestinian statehood and a role for the Palestinian Authority—something Netanyahu firmly rejects.
Analysts warn that while the plan could be a meaningful step, its success will require “massive U.S. involvement” and intense negotiations on every clause. “Trump has tied the plan closely to his own role,” said Aaron David Miller, a former State Department official. “He has made himself the central guarantor—and that makes this both a bold gamble and a risky bet.”