Trump says ‘beyond very close’ to ending war in Gaza

After meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, US President Donald Trump declares that “we’re beyond very close” to ending the conflict in Gaza.

At a press conference with Netanyahu by his side, he described Monday as a “historic day for peace.”

Netanyahu praised Trump, saying, “I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which accomplishes our war objectives.”

Trump claimed he was “hearing that Hamas wants to get this done too” despite not immediately proving whether Hamas leaders had endorsed the plan.

Trump continued, “everyone else has accepted it,” adding that “as you know, Bibi, you’d have our full backing to do what you would have to do” if Hamas refused to abide by the plan.

Trump claimed that “Prime Minister Netanyahu was very open about his opposition to a Palestinian state,” adding that “although I respect and understand his position on a number of things, what he’s doing today is so beneficial for Israel.”

He noted that a number of allies have “foolishly recognized the Palestinian state,” but he believes they are doing it because they are sick of what is happening.

The White House stated in its 20-point plan that the US would start a dialogue with Israel and Palestine and that all Israeli prisoners would be released within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance of the release.

If both parties reach an agreement, the conflict “will end right away.”

No one will be forced to leave the strip, according to the White House, and Israel won’t occupy or annex it.

A Palestinian release on Monday from the White House on Monday also calls for the end of the Israeli-Hamas militants’ hostage-taking operation and the return of all hostages, both alive and dead, within 72 hours of Israel’s announcement to make a peace plan for Gaza.

Israeli forces will end their operations in accordance with agreed-upon guidelines for the captor’s release. According to the plan, Israel will release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained after the start of the war on October 7, 2023 once all of them are freed.