Some historians say the conflict between Israel and Palestine started in 2023 with the bombardments on the Gaza Strip. Others claim that it began decades earlier, in the early 1900s, when Israel was still emerging as a sovereign nation. Regardless of the debatable start date, the tension hit a breaking point with the Hamas invasion on Israeli soil on Oct. 7, 2023. Protests for both sides of the war have remained, but media coverage has drastically declined over the past two years, leading to less engagement over the recent events of the conflict. Now, two years later, the assurances of the final hostage release and peace in the Middle East is cautiously closer then ever before.
What is the 20-point peace plan?
October 8, 2025, Israel and Hamas agree to the peace plan put forward by President Donald Trump to end the war and release the hostages. Trump made the official announcement on Truth Social.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan” Trump wrote. “This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
President Donald Trump announced a 20-point peace plan to bring an end to the war between Israel and Hamas, Sept. 29. This plan outlines the comprehensive guidelines that both parties must adhere to in order to achieve an immediate ceasefire and a lasting resolution to the conflict.
The U.S. plans to play a key role in monitoring the development of a peaceful Middle East with the intention of establishing an international body to maintain stability.
Alex Asatrian, ’27, is one of the few teenagers at Fresno Christian that has stayed informed on the events in the Middle East. He consistently reads the news for all major political events in the world, including the recent progression toward a ceasefire.
“I am glad an agreement is possible and already advancing forward,” Asatrian said. “I don’t know how long-lasting it will be, but hopefully it is the right step towards a lasting peace.”
This plan emphasizes the release of hostages, alive and dead, held by both Israel and the Hamas terrorist group for more than 733 days. The plan also includes a reformed Palestinian government with supervision by a new international body designated the “Board of Peace,” which will be headed and chaired by Trump and accompanied by other international members. Hamas will agree to not have any direct or indirect involvement in the government of Gaza. Israel will not be allowed to occupy or annex any part of Gaza, and the Israel Defense Force (IDF) will withdraw from the region.
Scott Bucher, Fresno Christian’s teacher of various advanced maths and sciences, identifies the common trend that these resolutions tend to follow in the Arab area.
“Trying to bring peace to the Middle East is almost impossible because of the deep-rooted hate there,” Bucher said. “Although, if Hamas could be successfully removed from their [Palestine’s] government, I think sustainable peace is achievable with time.”
If Hamas had rejected the plan, Israel would still be required to hand over all occupied territory in Gaza to the United States for rehabilitation, as stated by point 17. The United States will additionally establish a connection between the Palestinian and Israeli governments to agree on a political goal for peaceful coexistence.
How did we get here?
Oct. 7, 2023, at 6:30 a.m, more than 2,200 missiles were launched into Israel from Gaza overwhelming the Iron Dome. Armed Hamas gunmen infiltrated into Israeli territory and slaughtered more than 1,200 Israeli citizens and foreign nationals. 251 hostages were taken including woman and children with some being American.
This event sparked the ground invasion and consistent bombings in the Gaza Strip that would persist for two years. Over this period, approximately 67,000 confirmed Palestinian deaths have occurred due to famine, missiles or falling debris. There are still 48 Israeli hostages left in Hamas captivity, 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.
Douglas Murray, outspoken pro-Israeli political speaker and best-selling author of seven books, has been in Israel and the Gaza Strip multiple times over the last two years as a press reporter. His resounding message conveys the spreading dangers of propaganda, misinformation and political activism on today’s media consumers. What was once westernized unity for Israel has turned to a very divisive split for those who support Israel, anti-Israel, those who are apathetic or possibly tired of foreign entanglements all together.
“Israel has been winning its war,” Murray said. “But in the wider war—the war for our civilization—we are losing.”
In a move that seemed shocking to US and Israeli diplomats, the UK alongside Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognize the Palestine State, Sept. 21. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed their support for a two-state solution as a move towards lasting peace. They have recognized the independent state of Israel since 1950 and feel that they must recognize both parties if there is ever to be a coexistence between the two. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu felt this was a “huge reward for terrorism.”
Conclusion
Although the current responses appear promising, completing the full 20 points of the plan will take many days, if it goes through at all. This is the eighth foreign conflict President Donald Trump has mediated within the last eight months of his second presidential term, hoping to add the Russo-Ukrainian War to the list. In light of recent events, many are promoting him to be the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. No matter what side of the conflict you are on, we can all agree that peace in the Middle East would be a positive outcome.
Timeline below shows key dates for this war over the last two years.
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Tabitha Peters • Oct 10, 2025 at 12:39 pm
Very informative article, Hayden. Great work! I love the attention to detail in the packaging, particularly the timeline, infographic and detailed captions. Thank you for keeping our readers informed about foreign affairs.