File photo: Inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, in Washington (Picture credit: Reuters)
US President Donald Trump on late Thursday (local time) announced that the newly formed “Board of Peace” had reached what he described as a “historic agreement” for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza, saying the phased deal would eventually lead to the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the establishment of a new Palestinian administration.In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the agreement marked “a monumental step toward lasting peace and security” and represented a major milestone in the implementation of his “20-Point Plan” for Gaza.”Today, the Board of Peace reached a historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza,” Trump wrote.
Phased disarmament, Israeli withdrawal planned
According to Trump, the agreement will be implemented in “carefully structured phases”, with the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups taking place first.”As disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, and the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza being safe for its residents and its neighbors,” he said.Trump added that the arrangement would pave the way for Gaza to be governed by “a new Palestinian government” that would work closely with the Board of Peace.”Under this agreement, Gaza will finally be in the hands of a new Palestinian government that serves its people,” he wrote.
Credits mediators and his team
Trump thanked Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye for their mediation efforts, while also praising his administration’s role in securing the agreement.”I want to thank the mediators—Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye—for their important efforts, and especially my outstanding team, whose tireless work made this historic breakthrough possible,” he said.Referring to the October 7 attack on Israel, Trump asserted that Gaza would no longer pose a security threat.”The threat that emerged from Gaza on October 7 will not be allowed to rebuild!” he wrote.Trump also said that significant progress had been made over the past year.”One year ago there was a violent raging war, humanitarian crisis and hostages kept in brutal captivity. We have made historic progress and there is still much work to do,” he said.
What is the Board of Peace?
The announcement comes months after Trump formally launched the Board of Peace during the World Economic Forum in Davos.Initially proposed as part of his Gaza ceasefire initiative, the body was later expanded into a broader international conflict mediation platform.The Board of Peace is chaired by Trump and includes several senior US officials and international figures on its founding executive board, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, former UK prime minister Tony Blair and Jared Kushner.Around 35 countries had agreed to participate in the initiative, while several traditional US allies, including France, the United Kingdom and Germany, have expressed reservations over its mandate and its potential impact on existing international institutions.Trump concluded his announcement by calling the agreement an unprecedented breakthrough.”Congratulations to all on this amazing development, that everybody said could never be achieved!” he wrote. Go to Source
