Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his efforts to end conflicts in the Middle East. The announcement came during a meeting at the White House on Monday, the first since US strikes on Iran's nuclear programme.
Trump expressed optimism about a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel's 21-month war against Hamas has killed nearly 60,000 people, mostly Palestinians. However, he provided no details on preparations. Israeli and Hamas negotiators resumed indirect talks in Qatar after a six-week pause, with key sticking points including Israel's demand for Hamas's permanent removal from Gaza.
When asked about reports of plans to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza, Netanyahu said they should have 'free choice' to stay or leave, adding that Israel is working with the US to find countries willing to accept them. Critics have described such plans as ethnic cleansing.
Netanyahu presented a letter to Trump commending his role in Middle East peace efforts, saying, 'You deserve it.' Trump called the nomination 'very meaningful.' It follows a similar nomination from Pakistan last month.
On other matters, Trump said he hoped the US would not strike Iran again, claiming Tehran is 'very different now.' He also expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine and confirmed plans to resume weapons shipments to Kyiv, which had been halted due to a Pentagon review.
