Plan to end Gaza war 'at final stages': Trump
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has said that a peace deal to end the ongoing war in Gaza is in its "final stages," according to a report by Axios. In a phone interview, he said, "Everybody has come together to get a deal, but we still have to get it done." The conflict in Gaza started after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. The retaliatory war has claimed over 66,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
Ongoing negotiations
Trump says Hamas, Israel aware of ongoing negotiations
On Friday night, Trump spoke about the "inspired and productive discussions" on the Israel-Gaza war. He said intense negotiations have been going on for four days and will continue until a successful agreement is reached. "All of the countries within the region are involved," he added, mentioning that Hamas is aware of these discussions, while Israel has been informed at all levels, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Peace prospects
More goodwill, enthusiasm for peace deal: Trump
Trump expressed optimism about the peace deal, saying there is more goodwill and enthusiasm for getting a deal done than he has ever seen before. "Everyone is excited to put this period of Death and Darkness behind them," he wrote earlier, in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. He also stated that there was "a real chance for greatness in the Middle East." However, he did not provide the specifics.
Reaction
Israel's far-right opposed to plan
Meanwhile, far-right ministers in Israel's coalition government are pushing for a full takeover of Gaza as well as for taking over much, or all, of the occupied West Bank. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir voiced his opposition on X, where he said that Netanyahu does "not have a mandate to end the war without the complete defeat of Hamas." Throughout the war, Gvir has consistently opposed hostage deals, instead advocating for increased military pressure and full territorial takeover.