Speaking at a signing ceremony, President Donald Trump made clear that his latest peace initiative depends on the complete dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities, warning that the terror group’s future hinges on whether it follows through on its commitments.
Trump said Hamas fighters have been steeped in violence from the start, arguing that the organization has been defined by weapons and warfare for generations. While he said he believes Hamas will ultimately do what it has promised, he emphasized that there is no alternative to full disarmament.
“They have to give up their weapons,” Trump said. “And if they don’t do that, it’s going to be the end of them.” He added that several countries, including some not typically associated with such operations, have privately told him they are prepared to step in if Hamas refuses to comply.
The president used the moment to highlight what he described as his broader record of ending conflicts and restoring stability in volatile regions. He pointed to military actions targeting Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and a recent operation that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as examples of decisive action aimed at restoring order and peace.
Trump then gestured to the international leaders standing with him, noting that many of them represent countries where he claims conflicts were resolved under his leadership. He said roughly 35 world leaders have already committed to joining the new Board of Peace, out of about 50 invitations that were sent.
The president joked about how he came to lead the initiative, saying he was honored to be asked to serve as chairman. He explained that while the idea originated within his circle, it quickly gained traction among global leaders, who then approached him to take on the role.
“I take it very seriously,” Trump said, emphasizing that the group includes experienced leaders as well as what he called “incredible young people” driving the effort from within. He said the initiative is already operating smoothly and attracting widespread interest.
According to Trump, nearly every country he has spoken with wants to be involved. He said invitations were sent out only days earlier, and the leaders present at the ceremony happened to be in Davos at the time, prompting organizers to invite them on stage.
Trump’s remarks turned lighthearted as he described his relationships with the leaders assembled. He joked that, unlike most gatherings, he genuinely liked everyone present, noting that he usually finds at least a few people he cannot stand at such events. This time, he said, the group was different.
“They’re great people,” Trump said. “They’re great leaders.” His comments drew laughter as he emphasized the unusual nature of finding himself surrounded entirely by allies and friends.
The Board of Peace initiative was first floated in October 2025 and quickly gained momentum. The following month, it received a rare endorsement from the United Nations Security Council, signaling a level of international support that Trump and his allies have pointed to as validation of the plan’s seriousness.
Trump framed the initiative as both ambitious and practical, centered on the belief that lasting peace requires confronting armed groups directly and stripping them of their ability to wage war. He argued that disarmament, backed by international resolve, is the only path forward and said the growing coalition behind the plan shows that many countries agree.
The president concluded by stressing that the effort is already underway and that global interest continues to grow, portraying the Board of Peace as a central pillar of his approach to international security and conflict resolution.
