Former US President Donald Trump has stated that a peace deal for Gaza is “very close” and that he may travel to the Middle East within days. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said negotiations in Egypt were progressing well and expressed optimism about reaching an agreement to end the two-year war.
During a White House roundtable, Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed Trump a handwritten note reading “very close” and urging him to approve a social media post to announce the deal first. Trump later indicated he might visit the region on Saturday or Sunday, following a trip to Walter Reed hospital.
US, Qatari and Turkish officials have joined the third day of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The US Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner are present, alongside the Qatari prime minister and Turkish intelligence chief. Rubio noted that “good progress” had been made but acknowledged that “some work” remained.
Hamas is seeking international guarantees that Israel will not resume bombing Gaza after releasing all remaining hostages. The group has agreed to three parts of Trump’s 20-point plan, including releasing hostages for Palestinian prisoners, surrendering power, and Israel’s withdrawal, but other points such as disarmament and governance remain under negotiation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from right-wing coalition members not to release certain prisoners, including Marwan Barghouti. Far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for “complete victory” over Hamas during a visit to the al-Aqsa mosque, which Hamas condemned as a provocation.
