US President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stay positive as Hamas showed willingness to discuss a Gaza peace deal. The two leaders spoke privately after Hamas responded to Trump’s proposal, two years into the conflict.
Netanyahu stayed cautious, telling Trump that Hamas’ reply “doesn’t mean anything” and that there was “nothing to celebrate.” Trump disagreed and called Netanyahu “so negative,” saying the response was a step toward a deal.
After the call, Trump asked Israel to stop airstrikes in Gaza. Netanyahu gave the order three hours later. Trump told Axios that the sides were “close” to a deal and encouraged Netanyahu to see this as a “chance for victory.”
Hamas, Israel, and US delegations will meet in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday. Talks aim to set a temporary truce and launch the first phase of the plan, which includes releasing 47 hostages in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian detainees.
Trump praised the discussions with Hamas and allies on Truth Social, urging everyone to “MOVE FAST” to end the war and secure a deal.
