U.S President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday to promote a U.S.-backed peace plan that aims to end the Gaza conflict. Trump assured Netanyahu that the United States would fully support Israel’s efforts to eliminate Hamas if the militant group refuses the proposed deal.
“Bibi, you’d have our full backing to do what you would have to do,” Trump said.
The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire and demands Hamas release all hostages within 72 hours. In exchange, Israeli troops would gradually withdraw, leading to a permanent ceasefire.
The proposal offers amnesty to Hamas members who disarm and reintegrate into civilian life, safe passage for those wishing to leave Gaza, and a full resumption of humanitarian aid overseen by the United Nations and other agencies, with Gaza’s redevelopment part of the package.
“I hope that we’re going to have a deal for peace, and if Hamas rejects the deal, which is always possible, they’re the only one left,” Trump added.
Trump’s former advisers, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have been closely involved in the initiative. Trump also plans to co-chair a transitional oversight board for Gaza with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Israel faces increasing global isolation as many Western countries recognise Palestinian statehood, while Israeli forces continue their offensive in Gaza City, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Netanyahu’s government has faced pressure from Trump over annexation plans and a controversial Israeli strike on Hamas officials in Qatar, which disrupted peace talks. Netanyahu vowed to “finish the job” in Gaza during his UN speech, provoking widespread protest.
Trump criticised disruptions at the UN General Assembly and the recognition of Palestine by some world leaders. In a recent call with Trump and Qatari Premier Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Netanyahu expressed “deep regret” over the death of a Qatari serviceman caused by Israel’s strike and promised no repeat attacks.
Despite previous failures, Trump remains hopeful of a breakthrough, tweeting that “all are on board for something special” in the Middle East.
The peace proposal, presented at the UN, received a positive response from Arab nations but faces uncertainty due to Hamas’s position. Israeli withdrawal depends on deploying a stabilisation force from neighbouring Arab states. Gaza’s interim governance would involve international oversight until reforms are implemented by the Palestinian Authority.
The plan excludes Hamas from governance, forbids forced displacement, and assigns humanitarian aid to the UN, with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s role unclear.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged compromises would be required, saying both sides “might leave the table a little bit unhappy.”
Hamas insists it will release hostages only in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal. About 48 hostages remain, with only 20 believed alive. Hamas’s Qassam Brigades reported losing contact with two captives recently.
The families of hostages have not received new peace proposals following the collapse of negotiations after the Israeli strike on Hamas envoys in Doha.
The conflict erupted sharply in October 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping around 250, escalating a long-running dispute. Since then, Israeli military actions have killed over 66,000 in Gaza, including many children, and devastated much of the territory.