By Bill Bowkett

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Donald Trump will take over the Gaza Strip with Sir Tony Blair as part of his 20-point plan to end the deadly war between Israel and Hamas.

The United States president promised to oversee the transitional governance of the besieged Palestinian territory as head of the “Board of Peace”, which the former prime minister will also sit on.

Speaking in the White House alongside Israeli premier Benjamin Netenyahu on Monday, Mr Trump said they were “beyond very close” to reaching peace in Gaza with the help of Sir Tony, who he described as a “very good man”.

He described it as “one of the great days ever in civilisation” and thanked his Israeli counterpart for agreeing to the proposal.

Mr Netanyahu also apologies to Qatari leader Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani for ordering a recent strike in Doha.

According to the draft treaty, the US would form an interim International Stabilisation Force (ISF) alongside Arab nations and other “international partners” to be immediately deployed in the region.

The ISF will train soldiers and provide support to Palestinian emergency services in Gaza, as well as consult with Egypt, Jordan and Israel.

A detailed map released by the White House showcases the Israel Defence Force’s proposed withdrawal from Gaza.

Meanwhile, for every Israeli hostage whose remains are released by Hamas, the IDF will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.

However, questions have been raised as to whether Hamas would accept the deal, as the terrorist organisation would surrender its 18-year reign in Gaza.

Hamas’ intricate tunnel system, which it has used to hold hostages and hide from IDF airstrikes, would be dismantled.

Members of Hamas who pledge to live in Gaza peacefully would be granted amnesty once all the hostages are returned.

But Mr Trump warned Hamas that if it rejects his idea, Mr Netanyahu “would have full backing” to “finish the job”.

He said: “I challenge the Palestinians to take responsibility for their destiny because that’s what we’re giving them. We’re giving them responsibility for their destiny.”

Mr Netanyahu added: “This could be done the easy way, or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done.”

Responding to Monday’s announcement, Sir Tony said Mr Trump’s plan is “bold and intelligent” and thanked him for his willingness to chair the “Board of Peace”, labelling it a “huge signal of support and confidence in the future of Gaza”.

The former Labour leader said in a statement: “President Trump has put down a bold and intelligent plan which, if agreed, can end the war, bring immediate relief to Gaza, the chance of a brighter and better future for its people, whilst ensuring Israel’s absolute and enduring security and the release of all hostages.

“It offers us the best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering and I thank President Trump for his leadership, determination and commitment.

“In particular, his willingness to chair the Board of Peace to oversee the new Gaza is a huge signal of support and confidence in the future of Gaza, of the possibility of Israelis and Palestinians finding a path to peace and of the potential for a broader regional and global alliance to counter the forces of extremism and promote peace and prosperity between nations.”

According to Palestinian health officials, more than 60,000 people have been killed since Israel’s military campaign against Hamas commenced following the October 7, 2023 massacre, which killed 1,200 Israelis.