Trump says Hamas ‘agreeing to important things’ as Gaza ceasefire talks with Israel begin
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said he was “pretty sure” a Gaza peace deal was within reach, as delegations from Hamas and Israel began indirect talks in Egypt.
He told reporters in the Oval Office that Hamas was agreeing to “very important” elements of his peace plan, though he warned that red lines remained. “I have red lines, if certain things aren’t met we’re not going to do it,” Trump said when asked whether Hamas must agree to disarm as part of any agreement.
He added, “But I think we’re doing very well and I think Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important.”
Trump says Netanyahu ‘very positive’ about the deal
Asked about reports that he had chastised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a negative tone toward the talks, Trump dismissed them. He said Netanyahu had been “very positive about the deal.”
The negotiations are structured around a US-drafted, 20-point proposal intended to end the nearly two-year war in Gaza. Key pillars include a ceasefire, the release of hostages, phased Israeli withdrawals, and Hamas disarmament.
White House pushes for swift hostage release to build momentum
President Donald Trump has directed negotiators to prioritize an agreement on the release of remaining hostages in Gaza, viewing it as a critical first step toward implementing his 20-point peace plan, the White House said on Monday.
“President Trump wants to move very quickly on this,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “He wants to see the hostages released as soon as possible so we can build momentum and move toward a lasting and durable peace in Gaza, one that ensures the region no longer poses a threat to Israel or the United States.”
Leavitt said that technical teams meeting in Egypt — including US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner — were working through the logistics of the exchange, reviewing lists of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners slated for release.
“The discussions are focused on creating the right environment to make that release possible,” she added, noting that Trump believes a breakthrough on the hostage issue could pave the way for broader implementation of the ceasefire and reconstruction phases of the plan.
Trump claimed on October 4 that Israel has agreed to an initial withdrawal line following negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire and that the proposal has been shared with Hamas.
“After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas. When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal, which will bring us close to the end of this 3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE," he posted on Truth Social.
