US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared together at the White House on Monday, where Trump formally unveiled his new roadmap aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Standing side by side in the State Dining Room, the two leaders held a joint press conference as Trump declared he was “very close” to achieving a breakthrough in the nearly two-year conflict that has already claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The proposal, which outlines the release of hostages and the disarmament of Hamas, was presented during Netanyahu’s visit. Trump cautioned that unless Hamas agrees to the terms, the US would not stand in the way of Israel continuing its military campaign.
According to an official briefed on the matter, Qatari and Egyptian envoys shared the 20-point plan with Hamas representatives earlier in the day. The framework had first been circulated among Arab leaders on the sidelines of last week’s UN General Assembly in New York.
Speaking alongside Trump, Netanyahu voiced support for the plan but warned that Israel would act alone if Hamas rejected it or failed to uphold its commitments. He also signaled disagreement with some provisions dealing with Gaza’s future administration.
The current version of the proposal, slimmed down from 21 to 20 points, demands that the fighting halt “immediately” once both sides give their consent. It also sets conditions for a phased Israeli withdrawal in exchange for hostage releases. Under the terms, Hamas would free all living captives as well as the remains of the deceased within 72 hours. In return, Israel would release 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023—including women and children.
A reciprocal arrangement for the return of bodies is also included: Israel would release the remains of 15 Palestinians for each Israeli hostage repatriated posthumously.
The proposal further outlines two potential scenarios: either Hamas accepts the plan, triggering Israeli withdrawal and an eventual handover of territory to an international security force, or Hamas refuses, in which case Israel would press on militarily while still preparing to cede land to an interim security authority. Either outcome would mark the first public Israeli commitment to eventually withdraw from parts of Gaza and allow outside forces to take control.
The document emphasizes that Israel will neither occupy nor annex Gaza, though it does not establish a timeline for withdrawal. It also calls for a sharp increase in humanitarian assistance, coordinated largely through the UN and Red Crescent.
In contrast with an earlier draft, the revised plan does not reference Israeli assurances about refraining from attacks on Qatar. However, the White House said Netanyahu reiterated that commitment in a phone call with the Qatari prime minister on Monday.
Another notable clause affirms that no Palestinians will be forced to leave Gaza, though individuals will be free to depart and return voluntarily. This marks a shift from earlier rhetoric suggesting mass displacement.
The plan also gestures toward Trump’s long-discussed economic vision for Gaza, promising an expert-led development initiative to “rebuild and energize” the territory. It stops short of naming participants or disclosing whether they have financial ties to Trump or his allies.
For governance, the proposal envisions a dual structure: a temporary “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump and joined by other world leaders such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, alongside a nonpartisan Palestinian committee. An International Stabilization Force, formed with Arab and international partners, would be deployed to oversee security and train vetted Palestinian police with input from Egypt and Jordan.
This interim arrangement would remain in place until the Palestinian Authority carries out reforms that would allow it to eventually resume control of Gaza. Both the US and Netanyahu, however, signaled skepticism about the PA’s current ability to govern. Netanyahu stressed that any future administration must exclude both Hamas and the PA unless the latter undergoes “radical and genuine” changes.
The proposal acknowledges Palestinian aspirations for statehood but does not commit the US to recognizing such a state. It also offers amnesty to Hamas members who renounce violence and agree to disarm, as well as safe passage for those choosing exile—though it is unclear which countries, if any, would accept them.