In a major diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump announced his full support for Israel’s proposed 20-point Gaza peace plan while cautioning Hamas that rejecting the deal would invite decisive military action backed by Washington. Standing beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump urged Hamas to accept the proposal, expressing optimism that peace could soon be within reach.

"We are closer than ever to peace in Gaza," Trump said, praising Netanyahu for his cooperation. “If Hamas rejects the deal — and I hope they don’t — Israel will have my complete backing to eliminate the threat once and for all.”

The plan, unveiled after Trump’s meeting with Netanyahu, proposes an immediate ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal tied to the release of hostages. It outlines the establishment of a temporary international peacekeeping mission and a transitional authority led by Trump, aimed at stabilising Gaza.

Under the terms, Hamas fighters must surrender their weapons and will be excluded from governance, though those willing to embrace peaceful coexistence will be granted amnesty. Post-withdrawal, Gaza’s borders would reopen for aid, trade, and reconstruction, with an emphasis on encouraging displaced residents to return and rebuild rather than leave.

Trump described the initiative as a “historic opportunity” for lasting peace, noting that Arab nations had also expressed support during his recent meetings at the United Nations.

Despite this, Netanyahu faces political pressure from far-right members of his coalition who oppose Palestinian statehood. Trump, increasingly frustrated with Israel’s recent actions — including a strike in Qatar and talk of annexing the West Bank — has urged restraint.

On the ground, Israeli strikes continued in Gaza, claiming at least four more lives in Khan Yunis, as per local reports. Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages urged Trump to stay firm on the peace roadmap, describing it as their “last hope.”

In Gaza, reactions were mixed. While some residents voiced cautious optimism, others expressed deep mistrust toward Trump, recalling his past proposal to transform Gaza into a luxury coastal zone.

Analysts suggest the fate of the deal will depend on Trump’s ability to persuade Netanyahu to prioritize diplomacy over continued warfare.

The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 assault that killed over 1,200 Israelis, has since resulted in more than 66,000 Palestinian deaths, according to UN-backed figures — most of them civilians.