In a significant diplomatic push, President Donald Trump has gained Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public endorsement for a U.S.-crafted proposal aimed at ending the nearly two-year-long conflict in Gaza, as Reuters reports.

On Sept. 29, Trump secured Netanyahu's support for a comprehensive 20-point peace plan during a White House meeting, though doubts linger over whether Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, will accept the terms.

The Gaza war, which erupted after a deadly Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, has caused immense devastation. That assault killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, with Israel claiming 48 remain in captivity, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has led to over 66,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health authorities.

Key details of proposal emerge

During their meeting this week, Trump and Netanyahu discussed the U.S.-sponsored plan, which was later detailed in a 20-point document released by the White House. The proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire, an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a transitional international administration for the region.

The plan, developed by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, also includes a vague and conditional path toward Palestinian statehood contingent on reforms and reconstruction. It envisions a temporary international stabilization force for Gaza's security and governance by a technocratic Palestinian committee under an international "board of peace" chaired by Trump, with former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair involved.

At a joint press conference on Monday following their discussions, Trump expressed optimism, stating, "We are beyond very close" to achieving peace. He also thanked Netanyahu for his cooperation in the effort.

Netanyahu's support comes amid domestic challenges

Netanyahu, during the same press conference, affirmed his backing, saying, "I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which achieves our war aims." He emphasized that the proposal would facilitate the return of hostages, dismantle Hamas' military strength, end its political control, and ensure Gaza poses no future threat to Israel.

This marks Netanyahu's fourth White House visit since Trump's return to office in January, highlighting the intensified U.S. diplomatic push to resolve the conflict.

However, Netanyahu faces domestic pressure from hostage families and war-fatigued Israelis, alongside political risks from far-right coalition members wary of perceived concessions.

While Netanyahu publicly endorsed the plan, he distanced himself from certain aspects, particularly regarding Palestinian Authority reforms and future statehood, which he has long opposed. The Palestinian Authority, meanwhile, welcomed Trump's efforts and expressed readiness to collaborate with the U.S. toward a broader agreement, according to the WAFA news agency.

Hamas' response remains uncertain

Hamas, which was not part of the negotiations, has previously resisted disarmament, casting uncertainty over the plan's viability. A Hamas official told Reuters they had not officially received the proposal beyond media reports, though a separate source indicated that Qatar and Egypt, acting as mediators, had shared it with the group.

The same source noted that Hamas informed mediators they would review the plan "in good faith." This response suggests a willingness to engage, though significant hurdles remain given their past positions.

Steven Cook, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, commented on the situation, saying, "The Qataris now must put the screws to Hamas, and Netanyahu needs to sell to his security cabinet." His remarks underscore the challenges both sides face in moving forward with the proposal.

Broader diplomatic context examined

Trump's diplomatic efforts are part of a broader campaign promise to swiftly resolve the Gaza conflict, with the plan also presented to Arab and Muslim states during the U.N. General Assembly the previous week.

However, Trump criticized recent Western leaders' recognition of Palestinian statehood at the U.N., calling it a reward for Hamas.

The unresolved issue of Palestinian statehood continues to be a sticking point, as Netanyahu remains a staunch opponent, and the plan limits the Palestinian Authority's role in Gaza's future governance. Additionally, Trump did not take questions from reporters during the press conference, leaving some details unclear.

While Monday's meeting marks a step toward potential peace, past international deals promoted by Trump, such as a failed ceasefire with Russia over Ukraine in August, have not always delivered promised outcomes.

As both Israel and Hamas weigh their next moves, the world watches to see if this latest effort can bring an end to the prolonged violence in Gaza.