Is Trump Close to a Deal on Gaza Amid Netanyahu's Ultimatum?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump indicates a potential deal to end the Gaza conflict.
- Netanyahu threatens military action against Hamas if hostages are not released.
- International collaboration is underway among Muslim leaders to resolve the crisis.
- Accusations against Hamas for rejecting peace offers highlight ongoing tensions.
- Calls for hostage release echo throughout the international community.
Washington, Sep 26 (NationPress) - US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States is nearing a potential agreement aimed at concluding the conflict in Gaza. During a press conference at the White House, Trump stated, “It’s looking like we have a deal on Gaza.”
He elaborated, “I believe this deal will facilitate the return of hostages and ultimately bring an end to the war, paving the way for peace.”
On Thursday, Trump emphasized he would not permit Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to proceed with annexing the Israeli-occupied West Bank. “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. It’s simply not going to happen,” he asserted.
As reported by US media, Trump's peace proposal for Gaza encompasses the release of all hostages, a lasting ceasefire, a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from the region, an administrative framework devoid of Hamas's involvement, and the introduction of international forces to oversee security matters.
Trump's remarks coincide with Netanyahu's address at the UN General Assembly the same day, where he warned that Israel would “finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza unless they surrendered their weapons and released the remaining hostages taken during the 2023 assault, which resulted in over 1,200 casualties.
“Release the hostages immediately,” Netanyahu declared to Hamas from the podium. “If you comply, you will survive. If not, Israel will track you down,” he threatened.
On Tuesday, Trump convened a multilateral meeting on Gaza with selected leaders from Muslim nations, including Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Leaders from Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan participated in this meeting.
In his UNGA address, Trump pointedly accused Hamas of rejecting “reasonable peace offers” and condemned nations that have recently acknowledged a Palestinian state.
“We cannot lose sight of October 7. In an apparent effort to perpetuate conflict, some are attempting to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. Such actions would reward Hamas terrorists for their heinous acts. Those who genuinely seek peace must unite with a single message: release the hostages now. Just release them,”
he concluded.