
LIVE: President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu hold press conference
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Video Summary
This announcement details a significant peace initiative in the Middle East, presented as a historic day with the potential to usher in lasting peace. The core of the plan involves ending the current conflict, securing the release of all hostages, and demilitarizing Gaza. It emphasizes broad international support, with numerous Arab and Muslim nations contributing to and backing the proposal.
The plan outlines a phased approach, including Israeli force withdrawal and the training of local police. A crucial element is the establishment of a new international oversight body, the "Board of Peace," intended to ensure the plan's implementation and facilitate a new government for Gaza, free from Hamas or other terrorist factions. This initiative aims to bring security, peace, and prosperity to the entire region, marking a new chapter after centuries of conflict.
The speaker highlights past diplomatic successes, such as the Abraham Accords, and asserts that this current plan is the closest the region has ever come to genuine peace. There's a strong call for Hamas to accept the terms, with a clear indication that if they refuse, Israel will have full backing to complete its objectives. The initiative is positioned as an opportunity for Palestinians to take responsibility for their destiny and build a brighter future.
Short Highlights
- A historic peace initiative aims to end the conflict and bring lasting peace to the Middle East.
- The plan includes the release of all hostages within 72 hours and the demilitarization of Gaza.
- Numerous Arab and Muslim nations have contributed to and pledged support for the peace proposal.
- A new international "Board of Peace" will be established to oversee the plan's implementation.
- Hamas is urged to accept the terms, with a commitment of full backing for Israel if they refuse.
Key Details
A Historic Day for Middle East Peace [01:09:53]
- A significant peace initiative is presented as a potentially historic day for civilization, aiming to resolve issues that have persisted for centuries.
- The announcement comes after a meeting between leaders discussing vital issues including Iran, trade, the expansion of the Abraham Accords, and crucially, how to end the war in Gaza.
- The ultimate goal is described as "peace in the Middle East," or "eternal peace in the Middle East."
- Broad support from nations in the Middle East and surrounding Israel is highlighted as incredible, with every single one of them contributing.
- Principles for peace, developed with total consideration and collaboration with nations in the region, are being formally released.
- Leaders of many Arab and Muslim nations, along with allies in Europe, have provided tremendous support in developing the proposal.
- European leaders expressed strong interest and disbelief, calling to verify the news of peace efforts.
- The plan aims to end decades, even centuries, of death and destruction, beginning a new chapter of security, peace, and prosperity.
- Discussions and dialogue with countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan have been integral, with leaders providing ideas and feedback.
- The complexity of the situation is acknowledged, given its historical depth.
- The plan is presented as a way to bring an end to the death and destruction and begin a new era.
This is uh far more than anybody expected but the the level of support that I've had from the nations in the Middle East and surrounding Israel and neighbors of Israel has been incredible. Incredible. Every single one of them.
Key elements of the Peace Plan [01:15:25]
- The proposal calls for the release of all remaining hostages immediately, within no more than 72 hours.
- The bodies of the deceased hostages, particularly young men, will also be returned immediately.
- The plan signifies the immediate end of the war itself, not just in Gaza.
- Arab and Muslim countries have committed in writing to demilitarize Gaza and decommission the military capabilities of Hamas and other terror organizations.
- The plan includes destroying all terror infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons production facilities.
- Arab and Muslim nations will help train local police forces, working with a new transitional authority in Gaza.
- All parties will agree on a timeline for Israeli forces to withdraw in phases.
- Shooting is expected to cease as progress is made toward these goals.
- Arab and Muslim nations are tasked with dealing with Hamas, with the belief that they may already have an understanding.
- If these nations are unable to deal with Hamas, Israel will have the absolute right and full backing to finish the job of destroying the threat.
- The ultimate result must be the elimination of any danger posed in the region by Hamas.
- A "tyranny of terror" must end for eternity.
If accepted by Hamas, his proposal calls for the release of all remaining hostages immediately, but in no case more than 72 hours. So the hostages are coming back. And I hate even saying this from the standpoint doesn't sound right, but it is so important to the parents, the bodies of the young men.
Establishing the Board of Peace and Future Governance [01:19:50]
- To ensure the success of the effort, a new international oversight body, called the "Board of Peace," will be created.
- The Board of Peace will be headed by the former President of the United States, at the request of leaders from the Arab world, Israel, and others involved.
- Distinguished leaders from other countries will also be part of the board.
- The former Prime Minister of the UK has expressed a desire to be on the board.
- The Board of Peace will work with the World Bank and others to recruit and train a new government for Gaza, composed of Palestinians and international experts.
- Hamas and other terrorist factions will play no role in the Board of Peace or the governance of Gaza.
- Thousands of Hamas leaders and soldiers have been killed, and thousands have paid the price for the events of October 7th.
- The focus is now on getting hostages back and building something great and important.
So, this is uh far more than anybody expected but the the level of support that I've had from the nations in the Middle East and surrounding Israel and neighbors of Israel has been incredible. Incredible. Every single one of them. This afternoon, after extensive consultation with our friends and partners throughout the region, I'm formally releasing our principles for peace, which people have really liked, I must say.
Opposition to a Palestinian State and the Role of Hamas [01:22:00]
- The leader of Israel is clear about his opposition to a Palestinian state, referencing October 7th.
- The people of Israel want the hostages back and want peace, having grown tired of the ongoing situation.
- Several countries have recognized a Palestinian state, which some European allies are doing out of fatigue from decades of conflict.
- During the time of presidents and prime ministers involved with the Middle East, there has been a constant cycle of discussion without resolution.
- Hamas was elected by the Palestinian people, and Israel withdrew from Gaza hoping for peace, which did not materialize.
- Instead of building a better life, Hamas diverted resources to build over 400 miles of tunnels and terror infrastructure, hiding military assets in civilian areas like hospitals and schools.
- This tactic makes fighting them a terrible and difficult situation.
- Many Palestinians wish to live in peace, and they have support.
- Palestinians are challenged to take responsibility for their destiny, condemn terrorism, and earn a brighter future.
- If the Palestinian Authority does not complete reforms outlined in a 2020 vision, they will have only themselves to blame.
- The current plan is focused on ending the war immediately, getting hostages back, and creating conditions for durable Israeli security and Palestinian success.
So, let us not forget how we got here. Hamas was elected by the Palestinian people. Israel withdrew from Gaza thinking they would live in peace. Remember that? A long time ago. They withdrew. They said, "You take it. this is our contribution to peace. But that didn't work out. That didn't work out. It was the opposite of peace. They pulled away. They let them have it. And I never forgot that because I said, "That doesn't sound like a good deal to me."
Historical Achievements and Future Prospects [01:27:10]
- The speaker claims to be the greatest friend the state of Israel has ever had in the White House, citing accomplishments like negotiating the Abraham Accords.
- The Abraham Accords, involving four countries, were considered impossible by many, and their expansion is hoped for, potentially including Iran.
- Jerusalem was recognized as the eternal capital of Israel, and the American embassy was opened there, an action previously thought impossible.
- Sovereignty over the Golan Heights was recognized.
- Taxpayer funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency was cut due to its perceived corruption.
- The Iran nuclear deal, imposed on Israel, was withdrawn from.
- Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity was obliterated, preventing them from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
- No president has been better to Israel, and discussions with the leader of Israel have been significant.
- History shows that relations with Israel lead to thriving, while efforts towards its destruction lead to languishing.
- Israel is expected to coexist with other countries in the region, and a new Middle East is within reach.
- The Abraham Accords demonstrate the benefits of communication and collaboration.
- A historic phone call with the Prime Minister of Qatar led to the agreement to launch a trilateral mechanism between Israel, Qatar, and the United States to enhance mutual security and correct misperceptions.
- Qatar's leadership and its role as a mediator are acknowledged and appreciated.
I recognized the eternal capital of Israel. I opened the American embassy in Jerusalem. That was something that everyone said would never be done, could never be done.
The Importance of Hamas Accepting the Deal [01:35:23]
- It is now time for Hamas to accept the terms of the plan, given that over 20,000 of their members have been killed and their leadership has been repeatedly targeted.
- The current Hamas is different from the one previously dealt with.
- Arab and Muslim partners are fully prepared to step up and fulfill their commitments for the benefit of the people of Gaza and the region.
- Those who desire an end to violence and destruction should unite in calling for Hamas to accept the proposal to end the war and achieve everlasting peace.
- The task of building peace is acknowledged as difficult but necessary, with too many lives at stake not to try.
- The involvement of virtually every country, particularly wealthy nations, provides the resources to make things happen.
- A safer and more hopeful future for everyone, including Israel, will be forged together.
So now it's time for Hamas to accept the terms of the plan that we've put forward today. And again this is a different Hamas than we were dealing with because I guess over 20,000 have been killed. Their leadership has been killed three times over.
Joint Press Conference and Closing Remarks [01:38:37]
- The leader of Israel expresses gratitude for the hospitality, friendship, and leadership, calling the host the "greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House."
- The current leadership abroad is credited with changing the world for the better, ending wars, and advancing peace.
- The plan to end the war in Gaza and advance peace in the Middle East is supported, with the aim of achieving war aims, returning hostages, dismantling Hamas's capabilities, ending its rule, and ensuring Gaza never again poses a threat.
- The courage and sacrifice of soldiers are acknowledged as crucial to this turning point.
- The alliance between the two countries is highlighted as enabling the achievement of the impossible.
- Past actions, like striking against Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program, are mentioned as making the region and world safer.
- The plan is consistent with five principles for the end of the war and the day after Hamas, including the return of all hostages (alive and deceased), Hamas disarmament, Gaza's demilitarization, Israel's continued security responsibility, and a peaceful civilian administration for Gaza not run by Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
- If Hamas rejects the plan, or accepts it and undermines it, Israel will finish the job by itself, either the easy way or the hard way.
- The recognition of a Palestinian state is opposed, as it would reward terrorism and endanger Israel.
- The Palestinian Authority is seen as needing a radical and genuine transformation, including ending "pay to slay," changing textbooks, stopping incitement, ending lawfare, and recognizing the Jewish state.
- There is skepticism about the Palestinian Authority's ability to change.
- The plan offers a practical path forward for Gaza's administration by those committed to peace with Israel.
- This initiative can be a new beginning for Gaza and the entire region, re-energizing the Abraham Accords and expanding them to more Arab and Muslim nations.
- The horrors of October 7th are remembered, and efforts are being made to ensure they never happen again.
- Those who attack Israel pay a heavy price, while those who partner with Israel advance progress and security.
- The partnership between the two countries has brought Israel and Arab states closer.
- A trilateral body between the US, Israel, and Qatar will work to address respective grievances.
- The plan aims to free hostages, end Hamas's tyranny, and enable a more secure and prosperous future.
- The alliance between the countries is described as indispensable.
- The speaker indicates that taking questions might not be appropriate at this moment, as they wait for documents to be signed and approvals from involved countries.
Mr. President, when our two countries stand shoulderto-shoulder, we achieve the impossible.
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