President Trump said Monday that a peace deal to end Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza is “beyond close” as he painted an optimistic picture of the chances to end the nearly two-year conflict.
“We’re at a minimum, very, very close. And I think we’re beyond very close,” Mr. Trump said alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
But Mr. Trump cautioned that Hamas is still holding out on agreeing to a peace deal, and warned of strong consequences if Hamas doesn’t relent.
“It’s time for Hamas to accept the terms,” Mr. Trump said. “And if Hamas rejects the deal – and 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. But if not, as you know, Bibi, you’d have our full backing to do what you would have to do. Everyone understands that the ultimate result must be the elimination of any danger posed in the region and the danger is caused by Hamas.”
Mr. Netanyahu said he backs Mr. Trump’s peace plan.
“I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which achieves our war aims,” he said. “It will bring back to Israel all our hostages, dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities and its political rule and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.”
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He also doubled down on Mr. Trump’s warning to Hamas.
“If Hamas rejects your plan, Mr. President, or if they supposedly accept it and then basically do everything to counter it, then Israel will finish the job by itself,” he said. “This can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done.”
Under the 20-point peace proposal, Israeli forces would pull back in a phased withdrawal to specific lines, and all hostages would be released within 72 hours, including the bodies of hostages who died in captivity, the White House said.
One of those points would include a transitional, international “Board of Peace” to oversee the redevelopment of Gaza once the war ends. Mr. Trump said he’d chair the board.
Mr. Trump said it wasn’t his decision to chair the board, adding that he was “very busy,” but said he’d do it anyway.
“The leaders of the Arab world and Israel and everybody involved asked me to do this,” he said.
Mr. Trump said former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who helped develop the new plan, would also serve on the board.
“During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal,” it said.
“Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty,” the release continued. “Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.”
The plan backed away from an earlier proposal to relocate residents of the Gaza Strip, saying that “Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.”
The proposal also envisions the “demilitarization” of Gaza, and a Trump-inspired economic development plan for Gaza.
Mr. Trump ticked off a list of Middle Eastern leaders he says are on board with his 20-point plan for peace in the region, which the White House released moments before the press conference.
Despite failing to reach a final agreement to end the war in Gaza, Mr. Trump still hailed Monday as a “big, big day, a beautiful day” and “potentially one of the greatest days ever in civilization.”
