Global reactions to Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan
World leaders offered cautious optimism after Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a 20-point plan to end the Gaza war. The proposal, which includes an immediate ceasefire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, a staged Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament and a transitional government overseen by an international Board of Peace led by Trump, drew swift statements of principle from partners across the Middle East and Europe. Officials in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt signaled willingness to cooperate to implement the plan, while stressing that its success hinges on Hamas’s engagement.
Hamas as the hinge of any deal
Despite broad initial support from regional governments, analysts and Gaza residents warned that the plan’s success depends on Hamas, which has not joined the negotiations and would need to renounce governance of Gaza. “It’s clear that this plan is unrealistic,” said Ibrahim Joudeh in southern Gaza, telling AFP that the plan’s conditions are probably unacceptable to Hamas, implying the war could continue. Another Gaza resident, Abu Mazen Nassar, condemned the proposal as “manipulation,” questioning what guarantees would accompany prisoner releases to end the war.
International backing and caveats
Even as some allies of the United States recognised Palestine as an independent state, leaders offered measured endorsements. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Hamas to accept the plan and end the misery, while France’s Emmanuel Macron pressed Hamas to follow the plan. Diplomatic veterans from the Obama and Biden eras described the framework as a “good deal,” arguing that regional consensus could apply necessary pressure on Hamas. Dan Shapiro, once Barack Obama’s ambassador to Israel, called the plan “credible” but emphasized that the next step is to secure Hamas acceptance, likely requiring decisive pressure from regional actors such as Qatar and Turkey.
What the plan envisions on the ground
Central to the plan is the creation of a transitional authority charged with governing Gaza until reforms under the Palestinian Authority are completed and a broader “just peace” leading to a two-state solution is achieved. The authority would operate under the oversight of an international “Board of Peace” headed by Donald Trump. The proposal envisions a staged Israeli withdrawal and a disarmament process for Hamas that would be tied to a broader regional security and governance architecture. The Palestinian Authority’s representation, though welcomed by some, faces scepticism from those who fear it may not secure tangible guarantees or deterring violence in the absence of Hamas participation.
Gaza’s lived reality and the road ahead
In Tel Aviv, some residents expressed guarded hope that the war might be nearing an end, while others feared being let down again. A Gaza stall owner, Anas Sorour, told AFP that hope persists despite the devastation and that “this time I am very optimistic, and God willing it will be a moment of joy that makes us forget our pain.” Yet the longer the plan remains a negotiation blueprint rather than an actionable accord with Hamas at the table, the more the concern grows that it could become another missed opportunity. Gaza City resident Mohammed al-Beltaji summarized the prevailing sentiment: “As always, Israel agrees then Hamas refuses – or the other way around. It’s all a game, and we, the people, are the ones paying the price.”
Next steps and diplomatic calculus
If the international community can harmonize pressure on Hamas with credible incentives, supporters argue the plan could unlock a path toward ceasefire and reconstruction. The plan’s backers,, including some who recently recognised Palestine’s statehood, say cooperation will be essential to move from rhetoric to reality. In the weeks ahead, the challenge will be translating broad endorsements into concrete measures that address hostage releases, governance reform, and durable security guarantees for Gaza’s civilians.
