Washington, 30 September 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Israel accepts US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday at a press conference with Trump following a meeting between the two at the White House.

Sources close to the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas said the group had received the plan through Qatari and Egyptian mediators and intended to review it carefully before giving an official response.

During the press briefing, Trump said Israel would have full US support for actions against Hamas, should it reject the deal: "You would have my full support for whatever you need to do," Trump said.

Though Hamas has yet to sign off on the plan, Trump said he expects a positive response from the militant Palestinian group.

White House releases 20-point plan

Shortly before the press conference, that was largely dominated by Trump talking about the Middle East in an at-times rambling manner, the White House issued a 20-point peace plan that included a complete disarmament of Hamas.

It also includes the swift release of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as well as the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip.

Hamas is to have no role in governing the coastal strip, and Israel is also prohibited from annexing the territory. Instead, the Gaza Strip is to be governed by a transitional government of Palestinian technocrats under the supervision of an international body.

Netanyahu hailed the plan as a "decisive step" toward ending the Gaza war and creating Middle East peace conditions. He noted that under the plan, Israel is "getting all our hostages back" and also that Hamas' military capabilities will be dismantled, and its political rule eliminated so it can no longer pose a threat to Israel.

Trump wants to chair peace council

During the media event, Trump said he wants to establish a peace council, to be chaired by him, to act in a supervisory role for a potential transitional government in the Gaza Strip.

He said others would be involved with the council, and specifically mentioned former British prime minister Tony Blair as a possible candidate. He called Blair, who had been named in press reports, a "very good man."

Blair, meanwhile, called Trump's proposal "bold and intelligent," saying it offers "the best chance" of ending the war.

Trump and Netanyahu did not take reporters' questions, though the US president debated at the end of the briefing about whether they should and suggested to Netanyahu that he take one or two from a "friendly" Israeli reporter.

The Israeli leader rejected that idea, saying he trusted the president's instincts. Reporters shouted out numerous questions anyway.

Germany, France, UK welcome proposal

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called the proposal a "unique opportunity" offering hope to hundreds of thousands in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept it. He said the plan could ease suffering from fierce fighting, captivity, and humanitarian distress, adding that the chance must not be wasted.

French President Emmanuel Macron also welcomed the initiative, saying on X it could secure the release of hostages and end the war. He added that Hamas had no choice but to release all hostages and comply, while hoping Israel would engage constructively.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the plan as "profoundly welcome," urging Hamas to agree and "end the misery."

Support also from PA and other states in the region

The Palestinian Authority (PA) also praised Trump's peace plan, saying a comprehensive agreement to end the Gaza war could also pave the way for a two-state solution, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Tuesday.

The PA, which administers parts of the West Bank, reaffirmed commitments to reforms, including elections and ending payments to families of prisoners and deceased attackers, which Israel has long criticized. Trump's plan envisions the PA taking control of Gaza, but only after a "radical transformation."

Foreign ministers from several Arab states, including Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, as well as from Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan, have also voiced support for the plan, saying in a joint statement: "The ministers affirm their readiness to engage positively and constructively with the United States and the parties toward finalizing the agreement and ensuring its implementation, in a manner that ensures peace, security, and stability for the peoples of the region."