By Harshit, September 30, 2025 | Gaza City, Israel | 11:00 AM GMT
Mixed Reactions Across Gaza
The unveiling of former US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza has elicited starkly contrasting reactions among residents of the besieged territory. Many Palestinians expressed scepticism, fearing that the blueprint prioritizes Israel’s interests while offering limited protection for civilians.
Twenty-three-year-old Esraa told reporters that she struggled to sleep after hearing the news. “I thought it meant there was going to be a ceasefire right away, but then I realised it’s just a proposal,” she said. She added that Gazans are split between “wanting the war to end at any price” and fearing that the situation could worsen if the plan is enacted.
Doaa, a mother of four from southern Gaza, expressed reluctant support. “Despite its injustice to our people, we just want to stop the war,” she said over WhatsApp. “We are suffering a lot, and there is no chance of survival except by agreeing, no matter the circumstances, because we are being exterminated.”
Israeli Leadership Welcomes Proposal
Israeli officials, meanwhile, have largely welcomed the plan. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, speaking from Belgrade, said Israel has long sought an end to the conflict but blames Hamas for blocking progress. “Will Hamas accept the plan and abide by it? We shall see,” he said. Sa’ar emphasised Israel’s aim to secure all hostages and achieve a Gaza that is “de-radicalised, demilitarised, and no longer a threat.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in remarks on Telegram following a White House visit, dismissed calls to withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza. “It’s not happening,” he said. He praised Trump’s support, adding, “Complete the military operation to eliminate Hamas… from every side, it was an excellent visit.”
Public Opinion in Israel
Among Israelis, reactions are cautiously optimistic. Erez Goldman, an attorney in Jerusalem, described the announcement as a “great day for Israel,” highlighting that the plan aligned with his views. Joseph Scutts, speaking at a café, noted that while he is not confident Hamas will comply, the group “is going to have to take this deal” under pressure.
Susan Kennedy, however, warned that the proposal comes too late. “I think we’ve done it way too late, with far too many deaths on both sides… but I think it’s a great move,” she said.
Displaced Palestinians Express Skepticism
Footage from central Gaza shows displaced Palestinians voicing concern that the plan favours Israel and President Trump, who some accuse of treating Gaza as a business opportunity. One man asked, “Who is going to speak up for us?” Another warned that releasing all Israeli hostages while Israel continues to occupy Gaza would leave Palestinians “completely done, we will have no life left.”
Palestinian Authority Response
The Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, welcomed Trump’s plan, affirming its commitment to a “comprehensive agreement” to end the war. A Wafa news agency statement highlighted the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid, releasing prisoners, and holding new elections within a year of the conflict’s end. The authority also reiterated its vision for a “modern, democratic, and non-militarised Palestinian state,” committed to pluralism and peaceful transfers of power.
Path to Palestinian Statehood
While Netanyahu continues to oppose recognition of a Palestinian state, Trump’s proposal leaves the door open. Clause 19 of the plan notes that when Gaza redevelopment advances and the Palestinian Authority reforms are successfully implemented, a credible pathway to self-determination and statehood could be realised.
Recent recognition of a Palestinian state by the UK, France, Canada, and Australia adds momentum to the issue. Alongside China and Russia, four of the five permanent UN Security Council members now officially recognise Palestine, leaving the US as the notable exception.
Ongoing Violence
Despite the peace plan, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continue. Recent operations in Gaza City involved targeting more than 160 sites, leading to building collapses and widespread evacuations. The ongoing conflict underscores the complexity of implementing any peace initiative in a highly volatile environment.
