WASHINGTON, USA — President Donald Trump said Monday, September 29, 2025, that his administration is “close” to finalising a peace agreement to end the war in Gaza, following a meeting at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Ahead of the talks, the administration released a 20-point roadmap that seeks to end hostilities, secure the release of remaining hostages, and oversee the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.
The roadmap offers two possible routes.
Under the first, Israeli forces would pull back to agreed positions if Hamas releases all hostages within 72 hours.
Under the second, if Hamas refuses, Israel would continue its offensive in Gaza while gradually handing over territory to a transitional authority.
At a joint press conference, Trump said, “We are close to a deal that could finally bring this terrible conflict to an end,” adding that Netanyahu would have his “full backing” should Hamas reject the proposal.
Netanyahu endorsed the plan, describing it as consistent with Israel’s stated war objectives.
These include the return of all hostages, both alive and dead; the disarmament and withdrawal of Hamas from Gaza; continued Israeli security administration in the enclave, including a security perimeter “for the foreseeable future”; and the establishment of a civilian administration not led by Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
“This plan allows us to achieve our war aims while opening a path toward peace and stability in Gaza,” Netanyahu said.
Hamas has not formally responded to the U.S. proposal.
Its acceptance or rejection of the terms is expected to determine whether negotiations proceed or the conflict continues.
The announcement marks Washington’s most detailed framework yet for ending the conflict, reflecting Trump’s effort to position himself at the centre of Middle East diplomacy.
Whether the plan succeeds will depend on buy-in from regional actors and Hamas, whose stance remains uncertain.
For now, Trump’s roadmap signals a renewed push to end months of fighting that has devastated Gaza and strained Israel’s relations with the international community.
