Trump declares 'peace in Middle East' as wild plan lets Tony Blair help run Gaza
In a high-stakes meeting, the US president and Mr Netanyahu discussed a new peace plan that could change the course of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The White House has published a document which it says details Donald Trump's "comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict" and includes a role for Sir Tony Blair. The page lists 20 proposals, including making Gaza a "deradicalised terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours" and redeveloping Gaza for the "benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough".
It states that if both Israel and Hamas agree to the proposal, the war — which is approaching its second anniversary — will "immediately end" and see Israeli forces withdraw to an "agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release". It adds that within 72 hours of Israel "publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased will be returned". One proposal outlines plans for Gaza to be governed by a temporary transitional governance of an "apolitical" and "technocratic" Palestinian committee, with oversight and supervision by another body which will be chaired by the US President and feature others, including former UK prime minister Sir Tony Blair.
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Donald Trump holds press conference with Benjamin Netanyahu
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Macron: France ready to contribute
French president Emmanuel Macron said on X:
I salute President Trump's commitment to ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages. I hope that Israel will resolutely commit to this basis. Hamas has no choice but to immediately release all hostages and follow this plan.
These elements must enable in-depth discussions with all concerned partners to build lasting peace in the region, based on the two-state solution and the elements agreed upon by 142 States at the United Nations, at the initiative of France and Saudi Arabia. France is ready to contribute to this. It will be vigilant regarding the commitments of each of the parties.
Blair: Trump plan 'bold and intelligent'
Responding to Monday’s announcement, Sir Tony Blair said Mr Trump’s plan is “bold and intelligent” and thanked him for his willingness to chair the “Board of Peace”, labelling it a “huge signal of support and confidence in the future of Gaza”.
He said:
President Trump has put down a bold and intelligent plan which, if agreed, can end the war, bring immediate relief to Gaza, the chance of a brighter and better future for its people, whilst ensuring Israel’s absolute and enduring security and the release of all hostages.
It offers us the best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering and I thank President Trump for his leadership, determination and commitment.
In particular, his willingness to chair the Board of Peace to oversee the new Gaza is a huge signal of support and confidence in the future of Gaza, of the possibility of Israelis and Palestinians finding a path to peace and of the potential for a broader regional and global alliance to counter the forces of extremism and promote peace and prosperity between nations.
Israeli press briefing cancelled
Benjamin Netanyahu's briefing for the Israeli press has reportedly been cancelled.
After a press conference in the White House earlier today, neither Mr Trump nor the Israeli PM took questions from reporters.
What will new body do?
Donald Trump said earlier today that a peace agreement will establish a body in Gaza that will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of the strip until the Palestinian Authority has undergone sufficient reform that it can take over.
The US president told reporters after his meeting with Mr Netanyahu: “My plan calls for the creation of a new international oversight body, the ‘Board of Peace'."
He added: “It will be headed by a gentleman known as President Donald J Trump of the United States.”
“We’ll do it right, and we’re going to put leaders from other countries on and leaders that are very distinguished leaders," Mr Trump also said.
Corbyn on deal
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on X: "Tony Blair’s catastrophic decision to invade Iraq cost thousands upon thousands of lives.
"He shouldn’t be anywhere near the Middle East, let alone Gaza.
"It is not up to Blair, Trump or Netanyahu to decide the future of Gaza. That is up to the people of Palestine."
Netanyahu looked 'defeated and deflated'
A body language expert has claimed that the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu looked "defeated and deflated" at the press conference.
Inbaal Honigman said:
Netanyahu walks onto the podium with his gaze lowered, his eyes focused on the paperwork in front of him and avoiding direct eye contact with the assembled members of the press.
His face is ashen, the Israeli leader appears defeated and deflated. Rocking from side to side and gazing away briefly, his earlier confidence evaporated.
He fidgets, reaching for his microphone, looking for something to do with his hands. The swaying and fidgeting reveal that the Prime Minister is stressed. His hand which reaches for the microphone creates a protective gesture, helping him cover himself a little bit in such an exposed environment. It indicates that he'd like to hide.
Netanyahu's eyes dart from side to side, which tells us that he's trying to think fast. It may be that he had a speech all prepared, and now he has to alter it as the meeting did not turn out exactly as expected.
Trump, in contrast, stands firm and confident, talking in a low, grave voice which shows that the meeting went exactly as he planned.
During his speech, Netanyahu falls back into his usual public speaking stance - forward leaning, heavy brow, arms to the side. A stance that means business.
A confident speaker, the Israeli struggles to find his pace at the start of his speech, he consults his papers and takes some pauses which is not typical of his usual pattern.
But he quickly finds his footing and speaks confidently and assuredly again. He might have got sideswiped, but he got over it.
Towards the end of Netanyahu's speech, as it becomes more confident, Trump grows more uneasy with its direction.
The American leader purses his lips, a little fed up.
Peace plan in full
The US has released its peace plan in full, complete with maps.
Officials say Gaza would be a "deradicalised terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours".
They add that the strip will be "redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough".
If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will "immediately end", Trump's team added.
President Donald J. Trump\u2019s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict:
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 29, 2025
1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.
2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.
3. If\u2026 pic.twitter.com/veqhr9MW28
Netanyahu issues warning to Hamas
The Israeli PM said:
If Hamas agrees to your plan, Mr President, the first step will be a modest withdrawal, followed by the release of all our hostages within 72 hours.
The next step will be the establishment of an international body charged with fully disarming Hamas and Demilitarising Gaza.
But he caveated that withdrawals after this will be linked to the "extent of disarmament and demilitarisation".
Netanyahu also said that Israel will remain "in the security perimeter for the foreseeable future".
He warned Hamas that, if they do not accept the plan, or accept it but “do everything to counter it”, then Israel “will finish the job by itself”.
The Israeli PM added: “This can be done the easy way, or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done.
"We prefer the easy way, but it has to be done.”
Netanyahu says he supports plan
Benjamin Netanyahu says that Trump is "greatest friend" that Israel has ever had in the White House.
The Israeli PM added that the deal represents a "critical step" towards ending war in Gaza" and "setting the stage for dramatically advancing peace in the Middle East".
He adds that he supports Trump's plan, as it ensures that the Israeli Gaza "never again poses a threat to Israel".
Israeli troops, Netanyahu said, are fighting "like lions to protect the people of Israel".
The conflict is one "between civilisation and barbarism", he added.
Trump blasts UK's recognition of Palestine state
Mr Trump said that he will lead the international oversight body, which he calls the “board of peace”, along with “leaders from other countries”, who will be named “over the next few days”.
The US president also hit out at countries “foolishly” recognising a state of Palestine, which the UK did last week.
He said: “Several countries have foolishly recognised the Palestinian state, as you know – some of our European friends, allies, good people.
“But they’re really, I think, doing that because they’re very tired of what’s going on for so many decades.”
Trump tells Palestinians to accept plan
The US president said: "I challenge the Palestinians to take responsibility for their destiny because that's what we're giving them.
"We're giving them responsibility for their destiny, fully condemn and prohibit terrorism, and earn their way to a brighter future."
He added: "If the Palestinian Authority does not complete the reforms that I laid out.. they'll have only themselves to blame."
Trump: Netanyahu a 'warrior'
Mr Trump said: "I understand and respect his position on many things, but what he's doing today is so good for Israel."
He added: "I notice that, they have large crowds gathering in Israel all the time and they have my name up, they like me whatever reason."
The US president then called the Israeli PM a "warrior", adding that Israel is "lucky to have him".
Trump: 'There shouldn't be a shot fired'
Trump says: "There shouldn't be a shot fired. Now, there will be, I guess. Because that's the way it seems to be.
"But there shouldn't have to be within a few days... maybe for eternity.
"Wouldn't that be nice?"
Trump on Hamas
Mr Trump said of Hamas:
I hope that we're going to have a deal for peace, and, if Hamas rejects the deal, which is always possible, they're the only ones left.
Everyone else has accepted it.
But, I have a feeling that we're going to have a positive answer.
Trump added that if Hamas does not agree to the plan, Israel will have the "full backing" of the US to "do what you gotta do".
Trump: Blair a 'very good man'
Trump calls Tony Blair a "very good man".
He added some other names of people who would serve in the transitional government in Gaza would be named over next few days
Mr Trump said "it'll be some board", adding that "everybody wants to be on it now".
Hamas will play no role in the board, nor in the governance of Gaza, the president added.
Netanyahu 'agrees to plan'
Mr Trump thanks the Israeli PM "for really getting in there and doing a job".
He added: "We worked well together, as we have with many other countries.
The US president also says that "today is an historic day for peace", adding that the two leaders talked about "how to end the war in Gaza".
"But it's just part of the bigger picture," Mr Trump said.
"Let's call it eternal peace in the Middle East."
He thanked the Israeli leader "for agreeing to the [20-point] plan".
Trump speaks at press conference
The US president said called today "one of the great days ever in civilisation".
He added that "things that have been going on for thousands years we're now very very close, beyond very close."
"The whole thing getting solved, it's called peace in the Middle East," Mr Trump said.
20-point plan mentions Tony Blair
The White House has announced a 20-point plan, which names the former British prime minister Tony Blair.
If fighting ends, Gaza will be placed under the control of a transitional government headed by Trump, including former British prime minister Tony Blair, the White House announced.
Hamas fighters will commit to "peaceful co-existence", the US added, and they'd be able to leave Gaza under "safe passage".
Trilateral phone call pictured
Donald Trump has hosted a trilateral phone call featuring himself, Netanyahu and the Qatari prime minister.
The trio discussed Israel's strike on Doha two weeks ago.
A press conference is to begin soon.
President Donald J. Trump hosts a trilateral phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani of Qatar in the Oval Office. pic.twitter.com/ekbKg3WDZQ
\u2014 The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 29, 2025
Israel Gaza peace plan is now available
The 20-point plan has now been published by the White House.
White House releases Gaza ceasefire plan \u2b07\ufe0f pic.twitter.com/nTQsM4lIqX
— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) September 29, 2025
Press conference live imminently
A press conference at the White House is due to take place this evening.
It follows talks between the US and Israelis over a possible peace deal in Gaza.
Donald Trump has welcomed Benjamin Netanyahu, who have had discussions behind closed doors.
Netanyahu apologises to Qatar
The Israeli PM has reportedly apologised to Qatar over strikes on the Hamas leadership on Doha two weeks ago.
Netanyahu spoke with Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, calling him from the White House, Sky News reports.
He is understood to have apologised for violating Qatar's sovereignty.
Trump/Netanyahu press conference live shortly
Mr Trump and Mr Netnyahu have meeting in private in the White House.
Shortly, they will appear for a press conference.
The two leaders have been dicsussing the prospect of a peace deal in Gaza.
Gaza death toll 'tops 66,000'
More than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, Gaza’s Health Ministry said yesterday.
The ministry said in its daily report on Sunday that the death toll has now climbed to 66,005, with a further 168,162 injured since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack which sparked the war.
Among the dead were 79 who were brought to hospitals in the past 24 hours, it added.
Netanyahu under pressure from international community
Mr Trump has expressed his frustration at Israel’s failed strike on Hamas officials in Qatar, a US ally in the Middle East that had been hosting negotiations to end the war in Gaza.
Recent comments from the US president have hinted at growing impatience from Washington, AP reports.
Last week, Mr Trump vowed to prevent Israel from annexing the West Bank — an idea promoted by some of Mr Netanyahu’s governing partners.
The international community opposes annexation, saying it would destroy hopes for a two-state solution.
The UK, Australia and Canada all recognised the state of Palestine this month.
Netanyahu 'cautiously optimistic'
Another body langauge expert, Inbaal Honigman, said:
As the two men initially come face to face, Trump leans towards Netanyahu. This may simply be the gesture of a good host, but could also indicate that Trump is interested in Netanyahu's cooperation. This may be a submissive gesture on Trump's part.
Their long and warm handshake is accompanied by a matching head tilt by the two leaders. The head tilt signifies listening, so they're both willing to listen to one another. The fact that their moves mirror one another is another positive sign, meaning that they'd like to agree, not argue.
The handshake shows the struggle for power between the two men. The American reaches his hand out first, showing that he's willing to accommodate the Israeli. Their handshake is slow and personal, like two close friends.
Netanyahu places his hand on Trump's wrist, in a reassuring manner, as if letting the President know that he's got nothing up his sleeve. There will be no new information discussed today. We can see that Trump's hand is on top of the Israeli PM's, but Netanyahu places his thumb atop Trump's hand, so both leaders want to have the upper hand.
Trump's brow is lowered, perhaps worried. Netanyahu's expression is bright, cautiously optimistic.
As they step into the White House, the Israeli goes first, and the American places his protective hand over his back, showing that he won't let any harm come to Netanyahu.
Meeting 'not as warm as last time'
A body language expert has suggested that Trump was acting in a more "intense" and less warm manner than during the last time he met with Netanyahu.
Expert Judi James said:
Trump's body language during his greeting ritual for Netanyahu was emphatically serious and sombre with a focus on being dominant.
As he waited in the entrance, he threw a signature raised fist at the journalists in an aside that suggested he is on top of things. His adopted facial expression after that was one of narrowed eyes and lips that fell open before pinching together in a look that suggested a shrewd, serious approach. As the car drew up, he even took in a breath in a sigh that suggested he was bracing himself.
There was a quick head-cock greeting but none of the warm beaming smiles of the last visit. Trump's brows held in a frown of concern and his behavior during the handshake suggested a desire to get into a deep communication as soon as possible. The handshake lasted around ten seconds, and Trump engaged in some intense-looking chat throughout it.
Netanyahu turned out first, smiling in the face of Trump's more intense look.
Trump's performed signal to the press here was a thumbs up but with some horizontal movement. Netanyahu mirrored the gesture to give the impression of a meeting of minds and purpose.
There was a moment when Netanyahu looked keen to turn away and go into the White House, but Trump seemed to very subtly exert control with a hand on his back to keep him in front of the cameras. Trump's expression by now involved a lip clamp that was pulled down at the corners to again suggest seriousness.
Netanyahu has to 'choose between Trump and coalition partners'
Professor Eytan Gilboa, an expert on US-Israeli relations at Bar-Ilan and Reichman universities told AP: “Netanyahu might have to choose between Trump and his coalition members."
A number of them want the war to continue.
If Mr Trump puts the pressure on, the Israeli leader would probably seek to include “red lines” in any deal, Oded Ailam, a researcher at the Jerusalem Centre for Security and Foreign Affairs, said.
He might demand that Hamas be dismantled, they added.
Mr Netanyahu might also set a condition that if the militant group resumes fighting or returns to power, the Israeli military would have the right to operate freely in Gaza, the researcher said.
Private meeting before press conference
Mr Trump and Mr Netanyahu are to meet in private until a press conference at 6pm, the BBC reports.
The two men will discuss the possibility of a ceasefire deal in Gaza.
The death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has topped 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
'No guard of honour' for Netanyahu
Sky News reported that there was no guard of honour for Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival.
World leaders are usually greeted with one when visiting Mr Trump, it is understood.
The Israeli PM is now inside the White House after shaking hands with the US president.
Netanyahu arrives
Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived at the White House for a meeting with Donald Trump.
The US president shook hands with the Israeli PM, and both men turned towards the press.
They gave thumbs up before entering the building.
What does Trump want from deal?
Mr Trump is reportedly pushing for a deal to include the release of all hostages within 48 hours and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Palestinian enclave, according to three Arab officials briefed on the plan.
Officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing talks, told the Associated Press (AP) that the proposal was not final and that changes were highly likely.
The US president discussed the proposal with Arab leaders in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Hamas operatives could be allowed to leave Gaza
The Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue fighting until Hamas, whose attack on October 7, 2023, triggered the current conflict, is destroyed.
But he repeated an offer to allow Hamas operatives to leave Gaza as part of a deal ending the conflict.
“If they finish the war, release all the hostages, we let them out,” he said.
Natanyahu says Israel working on new deal with US
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday that his country was working on a new ceasefire plan with the White House, but the details of this were still being sorted out.
“We’re working on it,” Mr Netanyahu told Fox News Sunday’s The Sunday Briefing.
“It’s not been finalised yet, but we’re working with President Trump’s team, actually as we speak, and I hope we can – we can make it a go.”
What is expected today?
Mr Trump and Mr Netanyahu are scheduled to meet in the Oval Office, and a joint press conference is expected later.
The Israeli prime minister is due to arrive very soon.
In a post on social media on Sunday, the president said: “We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!”
A new peace deal
Hello and thanks for joining our live blog. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to arrive at the White House.
He and US president Donald Trump will be discussing a new peace deal to end the Israel and Gaza war.
