Trump Unveils Gaza Ceasefire Plan Emphasizing Hostage Release and Demilitarization

U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington, D.C., United States, on September 29, 2025.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which he presented a plan for a Gaza Strip ceasefire and outlined a series of steps aimed at long-term peace in the region. In his vision, he outlined phases that could change the situation for several years ahead, clearly distinguishing the military and humanitarian dimensions of the conflict.

The key component of the initiative is the return of hostages seized during the events of October 7, 2023, during the attacks on Israel. According to the plan, this will happen within 72 hours after the ceasefire is announced, after which a humanitarian regime and restoration of critical infrastructure in the region will begin. The United States also proposed a moderating role in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority regarding the restoration of administrative structures in Gaza, with Hamas not participating in forming a new government for that territory.

Under the proposal, the demolition of all military infrastructure in Gaza is planned, including tunnels where Hamas stores weapons. Overall the region should be transformed into a demilitarized and deradicalized zone, free from potential threats and terrorist groups.

Main points of the initiative and the expected impact

After the ceasefire phase, humanitarian aid for the population and the restoration of critical infrastructure – water supply, electricity, medical and educational facilities – should take priority on the agenda. It is emphatically stressed that the revival of civilian life should occur with the involvement of international humanitarian organizations and monitoring by neutral experts.

The United States positions itself as a mediator between the sides of the conflict and provides support to the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to restore normal administrative function in Gaza. At the same time, they emphasize that Hamas’s participation in political processes in the region is not envisaged, in order to avoid repeating past crises and threats to civilian populations.

Another central aspect of the plan is the destruction and dismantling of military infrastructure to reduce the potential for renewed escalations. The expectation is that after establishing such a disarmed and demilitarized zone, the region can move to a new phase of negotiations aimed at lasting stabilization and peaceful coexistence.

International reaction and positions of partner countries

In the global context, various assessments and positions were voiced. France stated a focus on recognizing Palestine within new forms of engagement, reflecting a push for greater international legitimacy of the region. Israel expressed concern about certain formalities and mechanisms for implementing the plan, but also stressed readiness to consider applying them provided the security of its citizens is ensured.

Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal officially expressed support for a Palestinian state, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid and a political solution that takes into account the interests of the local population. The United States and other influential countries underscore that any future settlement policy must be based on Israel’s security and respect for international law, while seeking to avoid a new cycle of violence and propaganda of violent actions.

In this context, experts note that implementing such initiatives requires clear mechanisms for monitoring compliance with agreements, transparent distribution of humanitarian aid, and effective monitoring by international partners. Also important is the formation of a stable political structure in Gaza without direct involvement of radical forces, which will help avoid escalations and reduce risks for the civilian population.

Timeline of events and current dynamics through September 2025

After border escalations in 2023, the situation in the Middle East remained volatile. Hamas alternated between spikes of violence and short-term ceasefire agreements, which demonstrated both progress and serious limitations in fulfilling obligations. In 2024–2025, the international community’s efforts focused on creating mechanisms to monitor compliance with agreements, humanitarian corridors, and the restoration of private and public sectors in Gaza. Pragmatic arrangements allowed partial restoration of basic services and infrastructure, but full stabilization of the region remained a challenge for many parties, notably due to structural and political differences between the governing structures in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority.

As of the end of September 2025, the global community hopes to continue moving toward more durable peace formats that take into account civilian needs, ensure Israel’s security, and create conditions for full regional recovery. Such developments underscore the importance of joint efforts and the responsibilities of all stakeholders in achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

Looking to the future: what to expect and challenges on the path to peace

The prospect of a peaceful settlement depends on the effective rollout of mechanisms to monitor compliance with agreements, maintaining humanitarian access, and support from international partners. The important role of dialogue between Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and local communities remains crucial to prevent resonance of radicalization and ensure regional stability. The implementation of the ceasefire plan and subsequent steps toward the demilitarization of Gaza require ongoing coordination, transparency, and accountability from all participants involved, so civilian life no longer depends on the next crisis.