US President Donald Trump on Monday said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed in principle to his 20-point Gaza peace plan, which calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the creation of a transitional international administration in the Palestinian enclave.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Netanyahu at the White House, Trump said the deal could mark a “historic turning point” for the Middle East.

“This is a big, big day. Things that have been going on for hundreds, even thousands of years … we are very, very close, and beyond very close,” Trump said.

“If Hamas accepts this agreement, all hostages will be released within 72 hours. If not, Israel has every right to use its military strength, and the United States will stand firmly by its side.”

The White House released details of the plan, which include a phased Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, a prisoner swap, and the establishment of a transitional government overseen by an international body.

Trump said he would personally head a newly formed “Board of Peace” to monitor reconstruction and governance in Gaza.

“Believe me, I’m very busy, but I accepted this responsibility because the parties involved believe I am capable of delivering peace,” he said.

Trump further noted that several Arab and Muslim states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, and Indonesia, had expressed support for demilitarising Gaza and backing the new transitional framework.

He also confirmed that former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and a number of international experts would be part of the peace oversight body.

Trump thanked Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for extending their full support to the initiative.

“The prime minister and the Field Marshal of Pakistan… they were with us right from the beginning. In fact, they just put out a statement that they fully believe in this pact,” Trump stated. “They back this 100 per cent.”

Thanking Netanyahu for his cooperation, Trump said the ultimate goal was not just peace in Gaza but stability across the wider Middle East, including progress on the Abraham Accords and addressing concerns over Iran.

“I also want to thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for agreeing to the plan and for trusting that if we work together, we can bring an end to the death and destruction that we’ve seen for so many years, decades, even centuries and begin a new chapter of security, peace and prosperity for the entire region,” Trump said.