President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared together at the White House on Monday to announce a US-backed initiative aimed at ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of remaining hostages.
“We’re at a minimum, very, very close. And I think we’re beyond very close,” Trump told reporters during a joint press conference. He praised Netanyahu for his cooperation, saying, “I want to thank Bibi for really getting in there and doing a job.”
The announcement comes just ahead of the two-year mark since Hamas’ October attack on Israel, and days after several countries formally recognised Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly.
The White House released details of a 20-point framework that calls for an immediate halt to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, accelerated humanitarian aid, and the release of Israeli hostages within 48 hours.
The proposal also outlines a “Trump economic development plan” to rebuild Gaza, featuring a special trade zone with preferential tariffs and access.
“The hostages are coming back,” Trump pledged.
Netanyahu endorsed the plan, calling it a milestone for Israel’s security goals. “I believe that today we’re taking a critical step towards both ending the war in Gaza and advancing peace in the Middle East – and beyond, into key Muslim nations,” he said.
Hamas has not agreed to the terms. The US plan stipulates that all militant infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons factories, must be dismantled permanently.
Trump said he believes Hamas will ultimately comply, noting that many of its leaders have already been killed in Israeli strikes. If they refuse, he assured Netanyahu that Washington would support Israel in “finishing the job.”
Unlike some of Trump’s past remarks about relocating Palestinians out of Gaza, the plan affirms residents will be encouraged to remain and help rebuild. “No one will be forced to leave Gaza,” the text states. “Those who wish to depart may do so freely, and return freely as well.”
Although Trump has long been one of Netanyahu’s strongest allies, tensions have surfaced. Earlier this month, Trump expressed anger after Israel carried out a strike on Hamas operatives in Qatar, without prior consultation.
That attack strained relations with Doha, a critical US partner in ceasefire negotiations.
The White House revealed Monday that before the press conference, Netanyahu phoned Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani from the Oval Office to apologise.
The statement said Netanyahu expressed regret for violating Qatari sovereignty and promised such an operation would not happen again.
