The Trump administration has proposed a 21-point plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza that calls for the release of all hostages within 48 hours of an agreement in exchange for a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, a source familiar with the proposal told CNN.
The plan was shared with Arab leaders earlier this week, though it is unclear whether Hamas has been presented with it. The proposal may have been revised in recent days and, if delivered, would likely be relayed through Qatar to Hamas’ negotiating team in Doha. President Donald Trump voiced optimism Friday, saying the sides are “very close” to a deal, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed the same day to press ahead with the war until Hamas is destroyed. Arab leaders are generally supportive of the proposal despite reservations, the source said, adding that they want the conflict to end quickly.
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(Photo: Yariv Katz, REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein, AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Paulina Patimer)
According to the source, the plan does not include a timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, states that Israel will not attack Qatar again, prohibits forced displacement from Gaza and bars Hamas from any future role in governing the territory. It envisions two layers of interim governance — an international body and a Palestinian committee — without a set timeline for transferring leadership to the Palestinian Authority. The proposal also calls for a United Nations role in providing humanitarian aid but makes no mention of the disputed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. While it stops short of U.S. backing for a Palestinian state, it acknowledges this as a Palestinian aspiration.
Saudi outlet Al-Hadath reported that the plan also includes the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners — among them 100 to 200 serving life sentences — in exchange for the Israeli hostages. Other elements described include an immediate ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas under Arab and international supervision, a phased Israeli withdrawal according to a set timetable, and the creation of a demilitarized buffer zone around Gaza. The report said Arab and international bodies would oversee Gaza’s administration temporarily at the invitation of the Palestinian Authority, while reconstruction would be managed by an Arab-led international consortium and financed by regional and global contributions. Hamas leaders would be offered amnesty and exile in return for disarming and relinquishing control of Gaza.
Netanyahu met late Thursday with Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, according to the Emirati state news agency. The two discussed regional developments and international efforts to end the war in Gaza. Bin Zayed stressed the need for a permanent ceasefire and an end to the crisis in the enclave, and affirmed the UAE’s support for international efforts to secure the release of all hostages and detainees. The UAE is also expected to contribute troops to a temporary Arab-led security force in Gaza and has played a central role in delivering humanitarian aid. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer visited Abu Dhabi earlier this year to discuss those arrangements.
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U.S. officials say the plan envisions a ceasefire taking effect within 72 hours of an agreement, during which hostages would be released. While Washington is insisting on the release of all captives, a phased approach is being considered. The framework also calls for Hamas to disarm and for its senior leaders to leave Gaza, with Israel providing assurances not to target them. American officials are also advancing discussions on a Saudi-backed investment fund for the reconstruction of Gaza.
Israeli officials described growing American pressure on Jerusalem. One said, “There is a great deal of American activity. For them, this is crunch time. They are fully mobilized to end the war and bring the hostages home.” Another cautioned that the situation remains “very fragile” and that there are “too many unpredictable elements” to guarantee success.
Diplomats say the plan would eventually involve the Palestinian Authority in administering Gaza — a step Netanyahu has resisted — but one that U.S. officials see as essential. The White House has indicated determination to bring the war to an end, with senior advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff engaged in recent talks with Netanyahu. Witkoff told hostage families this week he was working “day and night” for their release.
It remains unclear whether Hamas will accept the proposal, particularly after Israel’s failed attempt to target senior leaders in Doha earlier this month.
First published: 21:45, 09.26.25