An unprecedented coalition of global and regional powers, including Arab nations, Russia, and India, has thrown its weight behind a new 20-point Gaza peace plan presented by US President Donald Trump. This widespread support has effectively isolated Hamas, which now faces a monumental decision with a tight deadline.
President Trump has given the Palestinian group three to four days to accept the deal, which he has touted as a historic achievement. “All of the Arab countries are signed up, the Muslim countries all signed up, Israel’s all signed up,” he announced, framing Hamas’s acceptance as the final piece of the puzzle to end the long-running war.
The comprehensive plan calls for an immediate end to fighting and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. In a pivotal demand, it requires Hamas to completely disarm and relinquish any governing role. In exchange, all hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack would be freed, and Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
The humanitarian aspect of the plan is significant, promising to end the blockade and allow a flood of aid into Gaza to support a population devastated by the conflict. Since the war began, over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed, creating a crisis that the international community is desperate to resolve.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed the plan, his rejection of a future Palestinian state creates a point of friction, as Trump’s proposal leaves that possibility open. Hamas officials have stated they are studying the offer, with their pending response set to have profound implications for the future of Gaza and the wider region.