US President Donald Trump declared on Sunday negotiations to end Israel's genocide in Gaza were in “final stages,” claiming, in an interview with Axios, that a breakthrough could usher in broader peace across the region.
During a closed-door meeting with Arab and Islamic leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Trump had presented the US' proposal titled “Trump 21-point plan for peace in the Middle East.”
He also pledged to block Israel from annexing the occupied West Bank. The plan's announcement comes as Israeli bombardment and ground operations in Gaza continue unabated.
In describing the meeting to Axios, Trump said, “Everyone has gathered to seal the deal, but we still need to complete it,” praising what he called the “great cooperation” of Arab states.
“The Arab world wants peace, Israel wants peace, and 'Bibi' [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] wants peace,” Trump added, asserting that Hamas is participating through Arab mediation.
However, Hamas has denied receiving any new proposals, stressing that negotiations have been stalled since an Israeli assassination attempt targeted Hamas leaders in Doha earlier this month.
On Sunday, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met with Netanyahu in New York to resolve disagreements over the plan, Axios reported.
Key sticking points reportedly include demands to disarm Hamas and install the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, both considered non-negotiables for Netanyahu.
Trump's 21-pointer calls for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the release of captives within 48 hours, followed by a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. It includes releasing around 250 Palestinians sentenced to life terms and nearly 2,000 detainees from Gaza held since October 2023.
The plan also proposes creating a joint Arab-Muslim-Palestinian security force to maintain order, backed by reconstruction funds from Arab states. A post-war governance council excluding Hamas would be formed, composed of independent technocrats and Palestinian Authority representatives.
It further calls for the disarmament of Hamas in exchange for amnesty for fighters who lay down arms, and an Israeli commitment not to annex territory in Gaza or the West Bank or attack Qatar. A pathway to Palestinian statehood would be contingent on “significant reforms” within the Palestinian Authority.
Meanwhile, Israeli occupation forces continue a brutal ground and air campaign in Gaza City, part of an offensive launched on Sept. 16 to “eliminate Hamas” and “retake control of the city.” The operation has displaced thousands, forcing families to flee under heavy bombardment targeting homes, shelters, and evacuation corridors.
In a move further tightening its grip, Israel has shuttered the Allenby Bridge crossing, the only land route connecting the occupied West Bank with Jordan, effectively isolating 3 million Palestinians.
Before departing for the US, Netanyahu doubled down on his rhetoric, vowing to showcase what he called “many opportunities” created by Israeli military victories. During his address to a thinned-out UN General Assembly, following a rare mass walk-out, Netanyahu stressed he still intends to “finish the job.”
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel's US-backed assault on Gaza has killed around 66,000 Palestinians and wounded over 168,000 others, according to the most recent figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.
The offensive has also included the abduction of 361 medical personnel and a summary blockade of aid which triggered mass famine that has killed at least 440 people, including 147 children.
Israel's exclusive control over aid distribution in designated sights where the army has repeatedly opened fire on aid-seekers has also left around 2,500 dead, and more than 18,000 injured.
