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Benjamin Netanyahu has said he supports Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza – but what does it actually say, and will it work?

The document lays out what the Trump administration calls a “comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict”, consisting of 20 points.

Here are some of the key clauses and what our correspondents make of them…

Gaza ‘to be redeveloped for’ its people

The first two points say Gaza will become “a deradicalised terror-free zone” and “redeveloped for the benefit of” the enclave’s people – but the role they’ll have is unclear, says US correspondent Mark Stone.

“Beyond Hamas, there is no defined role for the Palestinians beyond vague assurances that they can take over once reform has taken place,” he explained.

Stone also highlighted that “a central part of the plan is missing – Hamas”.

“Like it or not, this plan cannot proceed without their buy-in,” he said. “And, as has always been the case, their agreement to this plan would amount to suicide for their movement.

“The bet by the Trump administration and by the Israeli government is that Hamas is now so diminished and exhausted as an organisation that they will be forced to accept it. But I remain unconvinced.”

Benjamin Netanyahu has said he supports the plan while Hamas said on Monday night it was yet to receive and study it in full. A broad spectrum of middle eastern countries have welcomed the initiative.

Tony Blair to be on the ‘Board of Peace’

The plan states that a temporary governing board will be put in charge of Gaza and just one person has so far been confirmed to join Donald Trump on what he’s calling the ‘Board of Peace’: Sir Tony Blair.

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Blair to be on Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

Chief political correspondent Jon Craig says the appointment is “controversial but not a surprise”.

“Sir Tony Blair has been one of the key architects of this peace plan,” he said. “It’s a Blair blueprint to a large extent, he went to the White House to discuss it August.”

Sir Tony “gets on well” with Mr Netanyahu, he added. The former British PM’s experience in the Middle East goes back nearly 30 years and he was previously involved in talks with then Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in the 1990s.

“From President Trump’s point of view, and indeed Benjamin Netanyahu’s, it makes sense because [Blair] is an experienced negotiator and go-between power broker in the Middle East,” Craig said.

All hostages to be released

The plan states that within 72 hours of the agreement being accepted, “all hostages, alive and deceased will be returned”.

A total of 48 hostages are still being held captive by Hamas and Israel believes about 20 of them are still alive.

Israeli protesters in Tel Aviv calling for a ceasefire last month. Pic: AP
Image:
Israeli protesters in Tel Aviv calling for a ceasefire last month. Pic: AP

Middle East correspondent Adam Parsons says securing their release is crucial for Mr Netanyahu.

“I think Netanyahu’s gamble is that he will be seen as a statesman,” he said, “if he can bring home the hostages and do that deal, stop the casualties being suffered by the Israeli military, [and] stop the increasing… anger over the number of people who are being killed by Israeli bombardments in Gaza.”

The draft agreement states that once the hostages have been released, Israel will release 1,950 Palestinian prisoners, including all women and children who were detained after 7 October 2023.

“For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans,” it adds.

What are the other key points?

Some of the other significant guarantees include a promise that nobody will be forced to leave the Strip, and that Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza.

The document also states that full aid” will “proceed without interference […] through the UN, its agencies, the Red Crescent and other international institutions”.

What happens if Hamas does not accept the plan?

Hamas has not been given a deadline to agree to the offer, says Mark Stone – adding that “there are hints already that they are not inclined to accept it in its current format”.

One Hamas leader, Mahmoud Mardawi, is already being quoted in Middle Eastern media outlets as saying: “We will not accept any proposal that does not include self-determination for the Palestinian people and protect them from massacres.”

“If that line holds then the Israelis will be unleashed,” Stone said, pointing out something Mr Trump said to Mr Netanyahu at Monday’s news conference.

“Bibi, you’d have our full backing to do what you would have to do,” he told him.

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Trump gives Hamas peace deal deadline – as key allies including Qatar urge it to accept

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Trump gives Hamas peace deal deadline - as key allies including Qatar urge it to accept

Donald Trump has said Hamas has “three or four days” to respond to his Gaza peace plan – with Qatar, Egypt and Turkey reportedly urging the group to accept.

The US president and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled the 20-point proposal at the White House on Monday.

Hamas has said it needs time to look at the details and consult with other Palestinian factions.

Israel has agreed to the terms, which include an immediate ceasefire; the release of all hostages; Hamas disarming; a guarantee no one will be forced to leave Gaza; and a governing “peace panel” including Sir Tony Blair.

Key mediators such as Qatar and Egypt have urged Hamas – who murdered more than 1,200 Israelis two years ago – to accept the deal, reported Axios.

Other influential Muslim nations such as Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have also publicly backed it.

More on Israel-hamas War

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Why the Middle East backs Trump’s peace plan

Speaking outside the White House on Tuesday, Mr Trump said they were “just waiting for Hamas” and it would be a “very sad end” if the deal was rejected.

One Hamas leader, Mahmoud Mardawi, was quoted in Middle Eastern outlets as saying the group will not agree a deal that does not include “self-determination for the Palestinian people”.

Mr Netanyahu has warned he will “finish the job” if Hamas refuses, while Mr Trump said he would “let Israel go and do what they have to do”.

However, the plan is seen as heavily favouring Israel and makes no commitment towards a two-state solution – something the Israeli leader has vowed will never happen.

Other details, such as the inclusion of former UK prime minister Sir Tony, have also been criticised due to his pivotal role in the invasion of Iraq.

Human rights activist Ashish Prashar – who said he worked with Sir Tony when he was a Middle East envoy – told Sky News’ The World programme it was “like putting the arsonist in charge of rebuilding the house he put on fire” and “there is no way Palestinians trust him”.

However, President Trump called Sir Tony a “good man” – and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told Sky’s Sophy Ridge that Sir Tony had a “record on a lot of international things”.

Other members of the planned governing board are set to be announced in the coming days.

More than 66,000 people in Gaza have now been killed in the war, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The total does not differentiate between the number of fighters and civilians but the ministry has said about half are women and children.

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Trump 100: Blair for Gaza PM?

At least another 31 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on Tuesday, local hospitals said.

Seventeen of them died in Netzarim, an Israeli-controlled corridor, while trying to get humanitarian aid. Another 33 were reportedly wounded in the incident, said al Awda hospital.

Israeli strikes which hit tents in the region of Muwasi, previously deemed a safe zone, are said to have killed 10 people.

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Gaza resident: ‘It was all for nothing’

Al Aqsa hospital said seven of the victims died near Deir al Balah after earlier this month fleeing Gaza City, where Israel has launched a renewed offensive.

The three others killed were from the same family; a man, his pregnant wife and their child. They were killed when an airstrike hit their tent west of Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital.

Smoke rises as displaced Palestinians fled northern Gaza on Tuesday. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Smoke rises as displaced Palestinians fled northern Gaza on Tuesday. Pic: Reuters

Read more:
Praise and fury for deal – but Hamas’s first reaction is telling
What we know about Gaza peace plan

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the reports, but said it had struck more than 160 targets of Hamas infrastructure in the past 24 hours.

It has repeatedly stressed it goes to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties but that Hamas deliberately embeds itself among the civilian population.

Hamas is still believed to be holding 48 of the 251 hostages kidnapped during the 7 October attack, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

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Princess Anne makes surprise Ukraine visit – and leaves a personal tribute

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Princess Anne makes surprise Ukraine visit - and leaves a personal tribute

Princess Anne has placed a toy bear as a poignant tribute at a children’s memorial in Ukraine, during an unexpected visit to the war-ravaged country where she also met Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The King’s sister travelled to the capital Kyiv on Tuesday, at the request of the Foreign Office, in a show of solidarity with children and families facing the horrors of the Russian invasion.

The Princess Royal met Mr Zelenskyy to discuss the UK’s support for Ukraine and its ongoing resistance.

The Princess Royal and First Lady Olena Zelenska laid soft toys during a visit to a memorial for children killed in the war. Pic: PA
Image:
The Princess Royal and First Lady Olena Zelenska laid soft toys during a visit to a memorial for children killed in the war. Pic: PA

Anne’s secret visit, which was not publicised beforehand for security reasons, came just two days after a Russian aerial bombardment killed at least four people in Kyiv, including a 12-year-old girl, and injured at least 70 others.

The attack, which lasted more than 12 hours, was one of the heaviest in recent months.

The purpose of her trip was to highlight the traumatic experiences of children living on the frontline, Buckingham Palace said.

Joining First Lady Olena Zelenska at the children’s memorial, Anne left the teddy in tribute to youngsters killed in the conflict, saying her daughter Zara Tindall had the same bear.

As the 75-year-old princess stepped back after placing the traditional-looking teddy at the base of the memorial alongside scores of other cuddly toys, she told Mrs Zelenska: “That was one that my daughter had.”

Mrs Zelenska also left a bear in tribute.

Anne is the latest British royal to make a trip to Kyiv. Pic: PA
Image:
Anne is the latest British royal to make a trip to Kyiv. Pic: PA

The site commemorates more than 650 children who have died since the start of the conflict in 2022.

In Kyiv, she also met female police and armed forces representatives and heard about their key role protecting women and children.

Visiting the Child Rights Protection Centre, she spoke to families and children who have been returned and reintegrated, and met some of those working to return more Ukrainian children.

Read more:
Putin issues defiant message over Ukraine
Moldova’s pro-EU party wins elections against Russia-leaning rivals

Princess Anne spoke to young people who lived under occupation. Pic: PA
Image:
Princess Anne spoke to young people who lived under occupation. Pic: PA

The Princess Royal met Ukrainian war veterans relaxing in a salt therapy room at a rehabilitation centre. Pic: PA
Image:
The Princess Royal met Ukrainian war veterans relaxing in a salt therapy room at a rehabilitation centre. Pic: PA

More than 19,500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred or deported by the Russian authorities to Russia and the occupied territories of Ukraine.

Princess Anne is the second working royal to visit Ukraine.

In April last year, the Duchess of Edinburgh was the first to go and bring a letter of support from the King.

Anne’s trip also follows that of her nephew Prince Harry, who made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital just over two weeks ago with a team from his Invictus Games Foundation.

Anne also visited a rehabilitation centre, where she met Ukrainian veterans returning from the frontline.

The King has met Mr Zelenskyy a number of times and marked the country’s independence day in August by sending a message of solidarity.

During Donald Trump’s recent state visit to the UK, Charles also took the opportunity to stress the importance of supporting Ukraine.

He told the US president in his banquet speech: “Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace.”

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Praise and fury for Trump’s Gaza peace deal – but Hamas’s first reaction is telling

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Praise and fury for Trump's Gaza peace deal - but Hamas's first reaction is telling

When Benjamin Netanyahu lands back in Israel, he will be hit by a wall of opinions. Some people are full of praise for the deal he has helped to construct, others hate it. Nobody is indifferent.

Among those who are spitting fury are members of his own cabinet.

As it happened: Trump reveals Gaza plan

Netanyahu will attend a cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening, and he will be faced by the anger of his two most outspoken ministers – Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

Both come from the uncompromising political far right; both think that compromise is a sign of weakness; both were utterly outraged at the idea of the prime minister apologising to Qatar for the attack on Doha.

Israeli forces have been carrying out an offensive in Gaza City. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Israeli forces have been carrying out an offensive in Gaza City. Pic: Reuters

Ben-Gvir said that, far from being a source of shame, it had been “an important, just and supremely moral attack… Qatar is a state that supports terrorism, funds terrorism and incites terrorism”.

Smotrich, as if ever worried at being outdone, compared Netanyahu with Neville Chamberlain’s appeasement of the Nazis, saying his “grovelling apology” was a “disgrace”.

Can either of these men really keep serving in a cabinet with Netanyahu? And if not, how long before the government collapses?

That wouldn’t imperil the peace plan – if it survives – because it will have the support of enough opposition parties to be passed into law.

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Trump announces ‘Board of Peace’

But it would hasten a new general election, where Netanyahu would try to portray himself as the statesman who brought back the hostages (if he does) while his rivals would paint him as the man who let October 7 happen on his watch.

But in the short term, Netanyahu’s plan has plenty of fans in Israel. President Isaac Herzog applauded it and so did the forum representing the families of the hostages.

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Witkoff ‘hopeful’ on Gaza plan

Leaders from Arab countries have all said they welcome it, albeit they have, unanimously, given the credit to Donald Trump, rather than the Israeli prime minister.

But then the applause dwindles. From Hamas, the initial reaction was telling – the plan hadn’t even been sent to them before it was announced to the world. And without their buy-in, what does a deal look like? Can it even work?

They say they can’t sign up to anything that does not include Palestinian self-determination. Which this, pointedly, doesn’t.

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And remember – Hamas have the hostages. For all the implicit threats made by Trump about what would happen if Hamas don’t sign up to this deal, the return of the hostages is the point that most loudly resonates with the Israeli public.

If Hamas don’t like the deal, they won’t return the hostages.

Read more:
What we know about the plan – and what Sky correspondents think

Tony Blair will be an unwelcome inclusion for many on the Palestinian side
Image:
Tony Blair will be an unwelcome inclusion for many on the Palestinian side

As for the governance of Gaza – there is precious little support among Palestinians for a Trump/Blair leadership team.

Tony Blair is a war criminal who should be in The Hague, not Gaza,” said Mustafa Barghouti, the veteran politician who has been on the Palestinian Legislative Council for nearly two decades.

And that’s an opinion I’ve heard echoed more than once.

There are more negotiations to come. “I’ll believe it when it happens,” one military figure said to me, wearily. “I’m more confident than before,” said another source, “but before I wasn’t confident at all.”

Nobody is getting too excited, too early, and there are hurdles to overcome and concessions to be made. But there is a chance that things might happen, and if they do, they might happen fast.

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