US President Donald Trump gained the support of British and French leaders for his newly unveiled 20-point peace plan for Gaza, presented alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. The announcement formed part of a series of key political developments in Washington on 29 September.
Peace plan details
The 20-point plan, jointly outlined by Trump and Netanyahu, aims to de-escalate the conflict in Gaza through a mixture of security guarantees, humanitarian measures, and economic development initiatives. While full details have not yet been published, the proposal includes expanded international oversight, commitments to infrastructure rebuilding, and phased steps toward a longer-term political settlement.
European support
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed their endorsement of the plan shortly after its unveiling. Both emphasised the importance of international unity in addressing the humanitarian crisis and urged regional actors to engage constructively. Their backing marks a rare moment of alignment with Washington on Middle East policy, at a time when Europe and the US have often diverged on other global issues.
Domestic political reaction
Reaction within the United States has been mixed. Republican lawmakers hailed the plan as a bold initiative to restore American influence in peace negotiations, while Democrats questioned the feasibility of implementation given the entrenched divisions in the region. Several progressive voices also raised concerns about whether the plan adequately addresses Palestinian political representation and rights.
Other political highlights
Monday also saw developments on several domestic fronts. Congress continued negotiations on federal budget appropriations to avoid a government shutdown, while the Department of Justice faced scrutiny over its handling of high-profile investigations. Meanwhile, early campaigning for the 2026 midterm elections intensified, with both parties testing economic and foreign policy messages in key states.
Looking ahead
Trump is expected to follow up with regional leaders over the coming weeks to build momentum for the plan. The White House signalled that the administration views European support as a crucial step toward securing broader international endorsement. Analysts note that the success of the initiative will depend heavily on the willingness of both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to engage in sustained dialogue.
REFH – Newshub, 30 September 2025
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