President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday that negotiations for a potential agreement with Hamas were progressing and expressed optimism that a deal could be finalized within days, leading to the release of additional hostages.
Trump also noted that he intends to raise the topic of a long-term agreement concerning Iran during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. “We’re working on a lot of things with Israel. One of the things is probably a permanent deal with Iran. In other words, they have to give up all of the things that you know so well,” said Trump. He reiterated his view that the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure amounted to “a complete and total obliteration.”
When asked specifically about the possibility of reaching an arrangement with Hamas, the President responded with confidence. “I think we’re close to a deal on Gaza. We could have it this week. I think there’s a good chance we have a deal with Hamas during the coming week, pertaining to quite a few of the hostages.”
Trump emphasized that a significant number of hostages could be released under this upcoming deal. “You know, we’ve gotten a lot of the hostages out, but pertaining to the remaining hostages, quite a few of them will be coming out. We think we’ll have that done this week,” he reiterated.
Earlier on Sunday, before departing for Washington, Netanyahu shared his appreciation for the American leader’s ongoing support. “I will thank President Trump for his strong support of Israel. There has never been such a friend in the White House. This support led to a tremendous victory over our rival, Iran,” he said.
Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s unwavering stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions and highlighted the broader strategic opportunity in the region. “The commitment is to stand guard and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. There is an opportunity to broaden the circle of peace. There is an opportunity and an ability to bring a great future for the people of Israel and the Middle East,” he added.
Turning to the conflict in Gaza, the Prime Minister emphasized that Israel’s mission remains unchanged. “There are great achievements and missions that must be accomplished. We freed hostages. There are 20 living hostages and 30 deceased ones left. I am determined to return them all, and for Gaza not to be a threat to Israel.”
He continued by underscoring the importance of eliminating the terrorist threat. “We will not allow the encouragement of hostage taking and murder – that means the elimination of Hamas’s military capabilities. I am committed to all the objectives, and we will achieve them with our soldiers and the correct and bold decisions that we’ve made,” stated the Prime Minister.
Hamas, for its part, announced Friday night that it had responded affirmatively to the latest ceasefire and hostage release proposal, while requesting several “minor amendments.”
However, last night, Netanyahu’s office made clear that the requested revisions were not acceptable to Israel. “The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel.”
The Prime Minister’s office added that Netanyahu had made a decision based on a fresh assessment of the evolving situation. “In light of an assessment of the situation, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has directed that the invitation to proximity talks be accepted and that the contacts for the return of our hostages — on the basis of the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed to — be continued,” the statement added.
According to the statement, Israel’s negotiating team is scheduled to depart for Qatar on Sunday to continue the indirect negotiations.
{Matzav.com}