US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have jointly presented a 20-point peace plan for Gaza, warning Hamas to accept the proposal or face consequences. The plan, unveiled at a White House press briefing on Monday, calls for a ceasefire, hostage and prisoner swaps, Israeli withdrawal, and Hamas disarmament.
Trump stated that if Hamas rejects the deal, Israel would have his full backing to 'finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas'. Netanyahu echoed this, saying Israel would 'finish the job by itself' if necessary, adding that it could be done 'the easy way or the hard way'. Neither leader took questions from reporters.
Hamas officials said they had not received the plan at the time of the announcement, though Qatari and Egyptian mediators later briefed them. The proposal includes a temporary governing board headed by Trump himself, with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair as a member. It also promises a reconstruction plan for Gaza but states no one will be forced to leave.
The plan has been welcomed by world leaders, though some in Gaza remain sceptical. The ultimatum marks a significant push for an end to the conflict that began with the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023.
