Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted a 20-point peace proposal from US President Donald Trump, raising hopes of ending the Gaza war.
Trump hailed the move at the White House on Monday as “a historic day for peace.” Netanyahu, who has long resisted such initiatives, said the plan achieves Israel’s war aims.
The proposal includes US-brokered talks between Israel and Palestine, a prisoner exchange, and an immediate ceasefire once signed. Hamas would release all remaining Israeli prisoners within 72 hours. In return, Israel would free about 1,700 Palestinian detainees and 250 serving life sentences.
Hamas has not formally accepted the deal but signaled willingness to comply if Israel guarantees a permanent end to the conflict.
The plan coincides with strained ties between Israel and Qatar, a key mediator. Qatar suspended its role after an Israeli airstrike in Doha killed a serviceman on September 9. The strike drew global condemnation as a breach of Qatari sovereignty.
During a call with Trump and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani, Netanyahu apologized, saying Israel mistakenly struck during efforts to target Hamas leaders. He promised such an attack would not happen again.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the contact, stressing it will not tolerate “reckless Israeli behavior” but remains committed to peace. Despite tensions, analysts believe Doha’s mediation role remains vital.
With Israel making rare diplomatic concessions and Trump’s peace plan on the table, observers say the coming days could prove decisive for ending the Gaza conflict’s bloodiest phase.
