On Saturday, President Donald Trump revealed to Axios that a significant breakthrough in the long-standing conflict in Gaza is on the horizon, stating that we are "close to a peace deal." Trump emphasized his commitment to finalizing this agreement in the coming days, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seize this opportunity for victory. "Bibi, this is your chance for victory," Trump expressed, noting that Netanyahu appeared receptive to the idea. "He's got to be fine with it. He has no choice. With me, you got to be fine," he added, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The importance of this peace deal cannot be overstated. Trump's recent public statements and behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts have brought Israel and Hamas closer than ever to concluding a conflict that erupted nearly two years ago following Hamas' attacks on October 7, 2023. As part of these developments, White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are currently in Egypt to finalize the technical aspects of the hostage release and discuss the framework for a lasting peace agreement, according to a White House official.
As of Saturday morning, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported a shift in military operations, moving to a defensive posture in Gaza and ceasing airstrikes that were not essential for force protection. This change came in response to Trump's call for Israel to halt its attacks and enter negotiations with Hamas regarding the peace deal. Netanyahu confirmed the cessation of military offensives, stating that preparations are underway for the immediate implementation of the first phase of the Trump Plan, which includes the release of hostages.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed gratitude for Israel's decision to temporarily stop its bombing campaign, allowing the hostage release and peace negotiations a chance to progress. He urged Hamas to act swiftly regarding the release of hostages, warning that any delays could jeopardize the peace deal. "I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen, or any outcome where Gaza poses a threat again. Let's get this done, FAST. Everyone will be treated fairly!" Trump stated emphatically.
Prior to publicly urging Israel to halt its strikes, Trump had a direct conversation with Netanyahu. He disclosed to Axios that his team had cautioned him about Netanyahu's reservations, yet during their discussion, Netanyahu agreed to proceed. Trump noted, "We had great receptivity for our plan — every country of the world in favor. Bibi is in favor. Hamas went a long way — they want to do it. Now we will need to close it," highlighting the broad support for the initiative.
Trump also acknowledged the role of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in facilitating discussions with Hamas. "Erdogan helped a lot. He is a tough guy, but he is a friend of mine, and he was great," Trump remarked. A U.S. official revealed that Trump had spoken with Erdogan before Hamas' response, requesting his assistance in ensuring that Hamas would not reject the proposal. "I did a lot for you, and now I need you to do this," Trump reportedly told Erdogan.
In his conversation with Axios, Trump emphasized that the ongoing war in Gaza has led to Israel's international isolation. One of his primary objectives in resolving the conflict is to restore Israel's standing on the global stage. "Bibi took it very far, and Israel lost a lot of support in the world. Now I am gonna get all that support back," he stated. The human cost of this conflict has been staggering, with over 67,000 Palestinians reported killed, the majority of whom were civilians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.
As negotiations progress, the world watches closely to see if President Trump's peace plan will bring lasting relief to the region and help mend the damaged international relationships for Israel. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East peace process.
