Trump Pushes New Middle East Peace Plan in Talks with Netanyahu Amid Gaza War
Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump is set to unveil a new peace initiative aimed at ending the ongoing Israel-Gaza war during high-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday.
Trump, who has long positioned himself as a dealmaker on the global stage, expressed confidence that progress is within reach. Speaking to reporters on Friday, he said: “I think we have a deal.”
However, Netanyahu has been more cautious, telling Israeli media on Sunday that “it’s not been finalised yet.” Meanwhile, Hamas announced it has not yet received the official text of the proposal.
Key Details of the Trump Peace Plan
Leaked documents published by both U.S. and Israeli outlets outline the major elements of Trump’s proposal. Central to the deal is the release of all hostages held in Gaza within 48 hours of its approval. In exchange, Israel would free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences.
Other provisions include:
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Hamas amnesty: Members who renounce violence would be granted amnesty and safe passage out of Gaza.
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Dismantling Hamas: All Hamas military structures would be destroyed, and the group would have no future political or military role in Gaza.
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IDF withdrawal: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would gradually pull out of Gaza.
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Transitional governance: An interim government would be established to manage Gaza’s affairs.
This marks a significant shift in U.S. policy. The Trump administration had previously floated controversial ideas, including relocating Gaza’s entire population of 2.1 million and redeveloping the area as a U.S.-owned “Mediterranean riviera.” In contrast, the new plan encourages Palestinians to remain in Gaza and recognizes aspirations for a future Palestinian state.
The Palestinian Authority’s Role
The proposal opens the door for the Palestinian Authority (PA) to eventually take on a governing role in Gaza, provided it undergoes internal reforms. This could be a major sticking point, as Netanyahu has consistently rejected any recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly last week, Netanyahu labeled the PA “corrupt to its core” and repeated his vow not to allow the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Resistance Within Israel’s Coalition
Even if Netanyahu leans toward Trump’s peace plan, he faces stiff resistance from his far-right coalition partners. Ultranationalists in his government have called for continued Israeli control of Gaza and the rebuilding of Jewish settlements in the territory.
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Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared on Monday that his party will not support any agreement that mentions a Palestinian state or grants the PA a role in Gaza.
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National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir insisted Netanyahu has “no mandate” to end the war without securing a “decisive defeat of Hamas.”
By contrast, opposition leader Yair Lapid has expressed support for a peace deal. He told U.S. officials that Netanyahu could rely on him for a “safety net” in parliament if an agreement is reached. “He has a majority in the Knesset and a majority in the country,” Lapid wrote on social media, dismissing the threats from far-right ministers.
Public Pressure Mounts
Polls suggest that the Israeli public is increasingly frustrated with the prolonged war. Families of the 48 hostages still believed to be in Gaza—20 of whom are thought to be alive—have intensified their calls for Netanyahu to secure a deal.
Trump himself is reportedly growing impatient with the Israeli leader. U.S. officials say the president was angered earlier this month after Israeli air strikes targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar, a close U.S. ally.
The White House has also emphasized that Trump will not support any Israeli attempts to annex the West Bank, an idea floated by some Israeli lawmakers following recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by the UK, France, and other European nations.
Regional Diplomacy in Motion
Trump’s renewed push for peace comes after a week of intense diplomacy on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. He met with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, calling those talks his “most important meetings of the day.”
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff struck an optimistic tone afterward, saying: “We’re hopeful, and I might say even confident, that in the coming days we’ll be able to announce some sort of breakthrough.”
Trump himself amplified that message over the weekend, posting on social media: “We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!”
The Human Cost of War
The urgency behind the peace talks stems from the devastating toll of the war. The conflict began after Hamas-led militants launched a deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
Israel’s military campaign in response has resulted in widespread destruction across Gaza. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 65,500 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the war began.
Humanitarian organizations warn of a deepening crisis. In August, a UN-backed body confirmed famine conditions in Gaza City. Earlier this month, a UN commission of inquiry accused Israel of committing genocide—an allegation Israel has fiercely denied.
What’s Next?
Whether Trump’s peace plan succeeds may depend not only on Netanyahu’s willingness but also on his ability to withstand pressure from hardline coalition partners. For Palestinians, the inclusion of the PA in future governance and recognition of statehood aspirations could represent a rare opening.
But obstacles remain. Hamas has not formally received the proposal, and its reaction will be critical. Likewise, the broader regional response—from Saudi Arabia to Turkey—could determine whether the plan has genuine momentum or becomes another stalled attempt at Middle East peace.
For now, both Israelis and Palestinians remain caught in the crossfire of a grinding conflict, while Trump seeks to deliver what he calls a “historic breakthrough” in a region long plagued by war and mistrust.