U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, stating that talks to end the 21-month-long conflict are “going very well”, as he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, D.C., reports BBC.
Speaking unexpectedly to reporters at the White House, Trump said he believes Hamas is ready to end the war. “They want to meet, and they want that ceasefire,” he stated.
The meeting followed the latest indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar, which ended without significant progress, though discussions are expected to continue this week.
Asked on Monday what might be blocking a peace deal, Trump replied: “I don’t think there’s any obstacle. I think things are going very well.”
When questioned about potential relocation plans for Palestinians, Trump noted that neighboring countries are cooperating with Israel. Netanyahu added that he is working with the U.S. to find countries willing to “offer Palestinians a better future.”
“If people want to stay, they can stay. But if they want to leave, they should have the opportunity to leave,” Netanyahu said.
The Palestinian Authority has firmly rejected relocation plans, emphasizing that such measures would violate international law.
Netanyahu also dismissed the possibility of a fully sovereign Palestinian state, stating that Israel will “always” maintain security control over Gaza.
“Now, some will say this isn’t full statehood. It’s not a state. We don’t care,” he added.
During the meeting, Netanyahu revealed he had nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, presenting him with a letter he had sent to the committee. “He is making peace, as we speak, in one country after another,” Netanyahu said.
