‘Israel Won’t Occupy Gaza’: Trump Calls Deal ‘Historic Day For Peace’ With Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Reuters file photo)

US President Donald Trump on Monday declared a breakthrough in the Gaza conflict, calling it a “historic day for peace” while standing beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

Unveiling the US-brokered plan, Trump stressed, “Israel won’t occupy Gaza,” adding that he was “close” to clinching an agreement that could end the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Thanking Netanyahu “for agreeing to the plan,” Trump said, “Today is a historic day for peace. Let’s call it eternal peace in the Middle East.” Meanwhile, the White House released a 20-point plan aimed at ending the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, minutes before Trump addressed the press.

“I hope that we’re going to have a deal for peace, and if Hamas rejects the deal, which is always possible, they’re the only one left,” Trump said.

However, he added that he was “very confident” the deal could win acceptance from Hamas and other parties, asserting that if approved, it would bring an immediate end to hostilities. “If accepted by Hamas, this proposal calls for the release of all remaining hostages, immediately, but in no case more than 72 hours,” Trump said. That provision would require all dead and living hostages to be released by Hamas.

“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,” he added.

Netanyahu, for his part, reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to a long-term solution while underlining regional security priorities. Trump emphasised that the talks were “just a part of the bigger picture, which is peace in the Middle East.”

The proposal outlines that Gaza would “be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities.”

It further states that Gaza would “be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza,” adding that, “If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end.”

According to the plan, “Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed-upon line to prepare for a hostage release.” Once all hostages are freed, “Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and agree to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.”

The proposal also assures that “upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip.”