Trump and the Israel–Gaza War: From Takeover Talk to a Fragile Peace

Background to the conflict

The war in Gaza reignited in October 2023 when Hamas-led militants launched a major attack into southern Israel. In response, Israel conducted large-scale military operations in the Gaza Strip. The ensuing violence caused high civilian casualties, widespread destruction of infrastructure, humanitarian crisis, and hundreds of hostages taken.

Into this already fragile setting, Donald Trump — having returned to a prominent political role — began pushing a diplomatic initiative aimed at ending the war, reshaping governance in Gaza, and re-ordering regional relationships.

Trump’s shifting role and proposals

Early proposals: takeover of Gaza

In early 2025, Trump floated a surprising and highly controversial plan for the U.S. to “take over” the Gaza Strip, relocate its Palestinian population and rebuild the area. The plan drew widespread criticism as potentially violating international law and was rejected by Arab states.

From takeover talk to peace-plan push

By September 2025, Trump announced a 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Its key elements included a ceasefire, hostage-prisoner exchanges, phased Israeli withdrawal, disarming of Hamas, and establishing transitional governance for Gaza.

Trump pressed both Israel and Hamas — giving deadlines and warning of consequences if Hamas did not accept.

Major development: The deal and ceasefire

On 8 October 2025, Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of the deal. Key items included release of all living hostages in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners, Israel’s partial withdrawal, and the start of a cessation of hostilities.

Shortly after, on 13 October, Trump addressed the Israeli parliament and declared that the war was over, calling it a “historic dawn of a new Middle East.”

What does it mean, and what are the caveats?

Potential positives

• Hostage releases and prisoner exchanges may ease immediate suffering on both sides.
• A reduction in warfare could allow humanitarian aid and reconstruction to begin.
• Trump’s mediation shows a shift in U.S. role from supporter to broker, opening new diplomatic channels.

Why this remains fragile and contested

• Hamas has not accepted full disarmament or political terms.
• Gaza’s infrastructure and governance remain shattered and uncertain.
• Legal and moral issues persist over Trump’s earlier “takeover” rhetoric.
• Lasting peace needs deeper political resolutions beyond a ceasefire.

Indian and regional implications

For India, stability in Gaza matters because millions of Indians live in the Gulf and regional tensions affect energy and trade. A stable Middle East could ease prices, strengthen India’s partnerships, and reduce humanitarian disruptions. Conversely, renewed conflict would strain energy markets and migration flows.

Looking ahead: What to watch

1. Whether all hostages and prisoners are released as agreed.
2. The governance model for Gaza — who will run reconstruction and security.
3. Whether Hamas truly reduces its military capacity.
4. The flow of humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts.
5. Regional diplomacy, including roles of Egypt, Jordan, Iran and Gulf states.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s involvement in the Gaza-Israel conflict represents a major political intervention — from threats of takeover to brokering an uneasy peace. The first phase of his deal brings hope for calm and rebuilding, but enduring peace will require realism, cooperation and respect for rights on both sides. For India and the world, the outcome will shape the Middle East’s future stability.