US–Israel 20-Point Plan for Gaza, Decisions, Points, Why Hamas Hasn’t Agreed, and Pakistan’s Role

What was announced

On 29 September 2025 the White House unveiled a 20-point (reported in some outlets as 20–21 items) plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza and setting out a transition and reconstruction framework. The plan was presented during talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It frames an immediate ceasefire, the rapid return of hostages, the staged withdrawal of Israeli forces, disarmament of Hamas, and an international transitional governance and reconstruction process for Gaza.

Key items (high-level highlights of the 20 points)

News outlets published the plan’s main elements; the items below capture the most widely reported points:

1. Immediate ceasefire — suspension of major combat operations if parties accept the plan.
2. Hostage return — return of living and deceased hostages within a short, specified timeframe after formal acceptance.
3. Phased Israeli withdrawal — Israeli forces to withdraw to agreed lines in stages tied to security conditions and hostage returns.
4. Release of Palestinian detainees — a large number of detainees to be released after verified hostage returns.
5. Demilitarization of Hamas — disarmament, destruction of tunnels and military infrastructure, and dismantling of command networks.
6. Exclusion of Hamas from government — Hamas barred from any formal role in transitional governance of Gaza.
7. International transitional authority — a temporary technocratic administration and an international oversight board to manage the transition and reconstruction.
8. Humanitarian relief and reconstruction — fast-tracked aid, reconstruction of infrastructure, and creation of economic programs (possibly special economic zones).
9. Security guarantees & monitoring — an international monitoring mechanism and regional partners to guarantee compliance.
10. No forced mass displacement — plan language stresses people will not be forcibly expelled; movement would be voluntary and protected.

(The full plan also contains operational details, timelines, funding and oversight arrangements; the public reporting varied slightly between outlets and some clauses remain contested or unclearly drafted in public summaries.)

Why Hamas has not agreed

Despite the plan’s headline offers, Hamas has not accepted it. Reported reasons include:

• Lack of consultation or ownership: Hamas says it has not been properly consulted or formally received the full plan in a way that allows it to negotiate and sign.
• Demilitarization demands: The plan requires full disarmament — something Hamas views as stripping its leverage, protection and political legitimacy.
• Exclusion from governance: Barring Hamas from any political role removes a central part of its claim to represent Gazans and undermines guarantees of representation and security for its constituencies.
• Trust deficit and enforcement doubts: Hamas and some Palestinians doubt that international guarantees will protect civilians or prevent reprisals, and they seek clearer, enforceable safeguards before agreeing.
• Timing and conditions: Hamas has signalled it wants a credible and immediate cessation of hostilities and guarantees before agreeing to the full terms, particularly on disarmament sequencing and prisoner exchanges.)

The role of Pakistan — response & possible contributions

Pakistan has been active diplomatically on Gaza in recent weeks and publicly welcomed steps toward ending the suffering. Pakistani leaders and the foreign ministry have repeatedly called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and Pakistan has engaged with the OIC and other Muslim-majority states to press for humanitarian relief and protection of civilians.

What Pakistan has already said

• Senior Pakistani officials reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian relief for Gaza.
• Pakistan’s Prime Minister publicly welcomed the new U.S. plan and stressed that a two-state solution and protection of Palestinian rights remain essential.
• Pakistan remains involved in OIC coordination and UN forums pressing for civilian protection and humanitarian access.

How Pakistan can contribute

1. Diplomatic pressure and mediation: Work through the OIC, UN and friendly Arab states (Egypt, Qatar, UAE) to press for fair implementation, monitoring and access for aid.
2. Humanitarian assistance: Provide or coordinate humanitarian relief supplies and medical support through trusted international agencies and the Red Crescent.
3. UN & multilateral support: Use Pakistan’s UN relationships (and its recent non-permanent seat on the Security Council in 2025) to push for clear monitoring, timelines and safeguards for civilians.
4. Regional confidence-building: Support regional guarantees and oversight mechanisms to reassure parties and neighbours, and promote step-by-step implementation (hostage exchanges, prisoner releases, verified decommissioning).
5. Public advocacy: Speak publicly for a two-state outcome and for reconstruction funds conditioned on protection of civilians and credible local representation in the transition process.

These roles reflect Pakistan’s stated positions and the diplomatic avenues it is already using. Pakistan has welcomed efforts to end the war while continuing to insist on Palestinian rights and a long-term political solution.

What happens next

The plan requires acceptance by the main parties and coordination with regional actors. If Hamas continues to refuse to engage, the plan’s backers have signalled that Israel may continue military operations with international support — a deeply fraught outcome that risks further escalation and humanitarian catastrophe. Diplomatic channels (Qatar, Egypt, the UN, OIC and countries including Pakistan) will remain central to any chance of a negotiated settlement.