US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed on a new peace plan for Gaza, warning Hamas to accept it or face further consequences.
According to the 20-point proposal obtained by a Palestinian source familiar with the ceasefire negotiations, the plan demands that Hamas release 20 living Israeli hostages and the remains of over two dozen hostages believed to be dead within 72 hours. In exchange, hundreds of detained Gazans will be freed. The plan also stipulates that Hamas will have no role in governing Gaza.
The proposal was outlined by Trump and Netanyahu during a joint press conference, where they emphasized the importance of ending military operations in the region. "We're calling on Hamas to accept this plan," Trump said. "If they don't, there will be severe consequences."
Netanyahu added that the plan is a "historic opportunity" for peace in Gaza, but warned that Israel will not tolerate any further violence from Hamas. "We've had enough of their rockets and tunnels," he said.
The 20-point proposal includes several key demands, including an immediate end to military operations, the release of hostages, and the establishment of a new governing authority in Gaza. According to a Palestinian source, Hamas officials have been given the White House's proposal and are expected to respond soon.
Background on the conflict is necessary to understand the significance of this development. The war in Gaza has been ongoing for months, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The humanitarian situation in the region remains dire, with thousands of Palestinians displaced and many more struggling to access basic necessities like food and water.
Experts say that the new peace plan offers a glimmer of hope for a resolution to the conflict. "This is a significant development," said Dr. Sara Roy, a Middle East expert at Harvard University. "The fact that Trump and Netanyahu are working together on a peace plan is a positive step forward."
However, many questions remain unanswered about the details of the proposal and how it will be implemented. The current status of the negotiations is unclear, but one thing is certain: the fate of Gaza hangs in the balance.
As the world waits with bated breath for Hamas's response to the new peace plan, one thing is clear: the future of Gaza remains uncertain. Will this latest proposal bring an end to the violence and suffering, or will it prove to be just another failed attempt at peace? Only time will tell.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and NPR Politics.
