President Donald Trump called it a “historic day” after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, announcing that Mr. Netanyahu had agreed to a 20-point plan for Gaza. Trump said the plan includes the creation of a Board of Peace — to be chaired by the president and composed of “highly qualified experts,” Palestinian representatives and former UK prime minister Tony Blair — aimed at securing “eternal peace” in the region.
Sitting beside Netanyahu, Trump said Israel would have his “full backing to finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas” if the group rejects the offer. “I hope we’re going to have a deal for peace. If Hamas rejects the deal, which is always possible — they’re the only one left; everyone else has accepted it — you’d have our full backing to do what you would have to do,” he said.
Trump made clear that Hamas and other designated terrorist groups would have no role in the Board of Peace or in governing Gaza. He also invoked the October 7 attacks, noting the heavy toll: “We can never forget October seventh,” and said many have paid a price in the fighting.
Trump listed countries that were involved in negotiations around the plan, naming Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, Indonesia, Egypt and Pakistan. He said the board would include Palestinian representatives alongside international experts.
Netanyahu, thanking Trump for the deal, called the U.S. president “the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House.” He urged the immediate release of all hostages — “living and dead” — within 72 hours and said all parties have an opportunity to comply peacefully.
But Netanyahu warned that if Hamas either rejects the plan or accepts and then fails to implement it, Israel will act. “This can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done,” he said, adding that Israel would “finish the job” if necessary.
