Trump's plan for peace in Gaza

The president and Netanyahu demand Hamas disarm, step down, free hostages.

- BY NABIH BULOS

THIS is potentially one of the greatest days ever in civilization." President Trump, left, onstage with Benjamin Netanyahu, said Monday.

(Win McNamee Getty Images)

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday put forth a 20-point plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip, a sweeping proposal that calls on Hamas to not only lay down its arms but to give up any role in governing the enclave.

Key elements of the plan, which the leaders announced at the White House in Washington, include the release of hostages, a prisoner swap involving hundreds and amnesty for Hamas fighters. Trump would play a role, heading a commission created to govern Gaza.

Trump said he was “very, very close” to a deal to end the war, though it had yet to receive any reaction from Hamas. The plan calls for the Israeli military to cease fighting once the pact is approved, but does not specify a final pullout of forces from Gaza.

“And I think we're beyond very close,” added Trump of his most concerted push yet to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, even as the Israeli military presses with its offensive into Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban center.

In a 30-minute speech to reporters following his meeting with Netanyahu, Trump appeared enthusiastic about his proposal, touting it as an unprecedented step toward peace not only in Gaza but also across the Middle East. “This is potentially one of the greatest days ever in civilization,” he said.

Trump said that he was “hearing that Hamas wants to get this done too.” But, he added, if Hamas didn’t agree to the plan, Israel would have the “right” and “full backing” of the U.S. to “finish thejob” —in other words, eliminate Hamas.

Under Trump’s plan, which the White House published on Monday, hostilities would immediately end, with battle lines frozen before a partial Israeli withdrawal in preparation for the hostages’ release.