Axios: US, Israel close to implementing Trump’s Gaza deal

U.S. President Donald Trump told Axios on September 28 that negotiations over his plan to end the war in Gaza are “at their final stages,” with a potential deal aiming to secure a permanent ceasefire and release hostages held by Hamas.

Trump said his plan could pave the way for a broader Middle East peace effort. “If we get this done, it will be a great day for Israel and for the Middle East. It will be the first chance for real peace in the Middle East. But we have to get it done first,” he said.

The plan, drafted with the help of White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, was presented last week to leaders from the U.S., Israel, and several Arab and Muslim countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, and the U.K. Trump noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the plan, though key differences remain, particularly regarding the disarmament of Hamas and the role of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.

Under the proposed deal:

• All remaining hostages would be released within 48 hours of a ceasefire.

• A permanent ceasefire would be established, along with gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

• Israel would release approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and around 2,000 others detained since October 7.

• Gaza would be governed by a technocratic administration and an international-Arab board, with limited Palestinian Authority involvement, excluding Hamas.

• Security would involve both Palestinian personnel and troops from Arab and Muslim countries.

• Funding from Arab and Muslim nations would support Gaza’s reconstruction and development.

• Hamas would be disarmed, with heavy weapons destroyed, while members renouncing violence would receive amnesty or safe passage.

• No annexation of the West Bank or parts of Gaza would occur.

• Israel would commit to avoiding future attacks on Qatar.

• A credible pathway to Palestinian statehood would be created following reforms of the Palestinian Authority.

Hamas has stated that it has not received new proposals from Qatari and Egyptian mediators since an attempted assassination of its leaders in Doha three weeks ago, though U.S. officials say Arab countries believe Hamas may accept the plan.

Trump is scheduled to meet Netanyahu at the White House on Monday to continue discussions.

By Vugar Khalilov