Trump vows intense talks to free hostages and end Gaza war
President Donald Trump on Friday announced that he was leading intensive discussions with Middle Eastern nations aimed at a Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal. He said both Israel and Hamas were aware of the discussions and that negotiations would continue as long as necessary to secure a permanent and long-lasting peace and the return of hostages. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the meetings as “very inspired and productive” and asserted that regional countries are united in pursuing a breakthrough that could end decades of conflict.
Trump wrote that “intense negotiations have been going on for four days, and will continue for as long as necessary” and stressed that all regional players are involved, with Israel at all levels—including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—kept fully informed. The president added that there is more goodwill and enthusiasm for a deal now than at any time in the past, and urged that the hostages be returned while a peace framework is established.
The remarks followed days of outreach to Arab and Muslim leaders, during which Trump outlined a U.S. plan for ending the war, releasing hostages, and establishing a non-Hamas governing body to administer Gaza until a reformed Palestinian Authority can take over. While the Arab and Muslim participants reportedly welcomed the plan, public positions from Israel and Hamas remained cautious, underscoring the volatility of a crisis that has endured since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
What the U.S. plan envisions
According to Trump, the framework presented to regional partners centers on a transitional governing body for Gaza, designed to administer the Strip and oversee governance until the Palestinian Authority is ready to assume broader responsibilities. The plan, which Trump said is “very close” to a final agreement, aligns with a broader push by former UK prime minister Tony Blair, who has been mediating with regional leaders to rally support for a negotiated outcome. Blair’s initiative emphasizes a movement toward a stable governance structure and a credible path to peace after a long period of deadly conflict.
Trump’s aides, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have been active in shaping the proposal and communicating with regional leaders. Kan, the Israeli public broadcaster, cited unnamed associates of Netanyahu who insisted that any proposal must include Hamas’s total collapse and that no concessions be made on that point. The same report noted that Netanyahu’s government has been balancing internal opposition with international pressure as it weighs the terms of a possible end to the war.
Israel’s position and the pressure to move
Israel’s leadership, including Netanyahu, has repeatedly signaled that it will pursue its security goals with or without a quick diplomatic breakthrough. Israeli media quoted channels that emphasis is mounting on reaching an end to the war in a manner that guarantees existential security while addressing the plight of hostages. As the White House pushes forward, Israeli officials reportedly warned that several clauses of the U.S. plan face strong opposition within the government, complicating any rush to a deal before Netanyahu meets Trump in Washington.
Regional dynamics and next steps
With Trump’s plan circulating among regional partners, the question now is whether all sides can bridge their differences in a way that satisfies security concerns, humanitarian needs, and political realities on the ground. Netanyahu is expected to meet with Trump in Washington on Monday for further discussion, though officials with knowledge of the talks say there is still considerable work to do before a final agreement can be announced. The Kan broadcaster reported that those close to Netanyahu indicated a preference for a demand-driven approach that prioritizes Hamas’s disempowerment, a stance that could complicate negotiations if positioned as non-negotiable.
Analysts note that the path to a durable ceasefire is fraught with obstacles, including trust deficits among the parties, the complexity of governance in Gaza, and the broader regional implications of any settlement framework. Still, Trump’s reiterated pledge to pursue an enduring resolution signals that U.S. diplomacy will remain deeply engaged as negotiations continue, with the aim of freeing hostages, ending the war, and delivering a sustainable peace in the region.
What to watch for next
Key developments to monitor include a possible agreement framework disclosed by the White House after Monday’s meetings, Netanyahu’s formal positions on the plan, and the specific terms of any transitional governance arrangement for Gaza. Observers will also watch for any changes in regional backing, particularly from Muslim-majority nations, which could prove decisive in shaping a feasible path to peace or, if negotiations stall, a renewed cycle of violence.
