‘I Think We Have A Deal’: US President Donald Trump Hints At Possible Breakthrough In Gaza Peace Talks

Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that a deal to end the war in Gaza might be imminent, expressing optimism that the hostages would be back soon. Trump made the statement while speaking to reporters at the White House, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. 

Talking to the media personnel, Trump confidently said, "I think we have a deal…….It's looking like we have a deal on Gaza. I think it's a deal that will get the hostages back, it's going to be a deal that will end the war."

The possible ceasefire deal is likely to come after recent talks between the US, Israel, and Arab states. According to reports, the proposal involves Israel accepting Trump's terms, with Hamas being urged to follow suit. Trump warned Hamas that there would be consequences for rejecting the deal, stating, "The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one."

The details of the proposal suggested that Hamas would need to free all remaining captives in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israel. The development has shed a light of hope that a lasting peace agreement might be within reach.

Hamas has confirmed receiving ideas from the US for ending the war, although Israel has yet to comment on Trump's proposal. The group has expressed readiness to negotiate and discuss the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear declaration to end the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

The news comes as Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UNGA, hinting at plans to annex the West Bank. However, Trump assured Arab and Muslim leaders during a meeting at the UN that he would not permit annexation of the territory, which is currently governed by the Palestinian Authority.

Trump's special envoy for peace missions, Steve Witkoff, revealed that the US had presented a 21-point plan for peace in the Middle East, specifically focusing on Gaza. Witkoff asserted that the plan addresses Israeli concerns as well as those of neighbouring countries in the region. Notably, the envoy did not directly mention the West Bank.

In another development, Trump hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House, where they discussed various issues, including the Israel-Gaza war, F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, and Russian oil imports. 

The world leaders have welcomed the possible breakthrough, calling for a renewed push for a ceasefire to end the war in Gaza. 

Israeli Prime Minister's Defiant Stance

In the meantime, in a fiery address at the UNGA, Netanyahu drew parallels between the October 7 attacks in Israel and the September 11 terror strikes in the United States. He vehemently opposed the idea of granting Palestinians a state, saying it would be akin to giving al-Qaeda a state near New York City after 9/11. "Giving the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7 is like giving al-Qaeda a state one mile from New York City after September 11," Netanyahu declared, with members of the US delegation applauding his speech. His stance was met with both applause and jeers from the Assembly Hall.

Netanyahu's speech was also a strong rebuke to Western nations that have recently recognised a Palestinian state, labelling their decision as "sheer madness" and “national suicide”. He accused these countries of caving to pressure from activists and biased media, effectively rewarding Hamas for its brutal attacks. The Israeli leader insisted that granting Palestinian statehood would only embolden further violence against Jews and innocent people everywhere. Netanyahu also launched a scathing attack on the Palestinian Authority, accusing it of promoting violence and corruption.

As Netanyahu spoke, thousands gathered in New York City to protest Israel's actions in Gaza and call for sanctions. The protests coincided with Netanyahu's address, showing the global divided stance on the issue. Meanwhile, Netanyahu concluded his speech with optimism, asserting that Israel's ongoing conflict would lead to a more stable region. 

He cited possible peace with Lebanon and contacts with Syria as evidence of progress. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office also launched a public diplomacy campaign in New York, featuring billboards and mobile trucks with the message ‘Remember October 7’ to outline the horrors of the Hamas-led attacks and the plight of hostages held captive in Gaza. 

Further details regarding the ceasefire deal are awaited.