Overview: A Claim of Momentum Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a high-stakes update on an evolving effort to broker peace between Israel and Hamas, former president and current Republican frontrunner Donald Trump said in an Axios interview that the Gaza peace deal is “very close.” The statement comes as Israeli forces continue airstrikes in Gaza, underscoring the delicate balance negotiators face between diplomacy and ongoing military actions.
Trump described the White House plan unveiled with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as having broad international receptivity. He asserted that “every country of the world in favor” of the proposal and claimed that Netanyahu was aligned with the avenues toward a settlement, even as Hamas indicated it agreed to certain elements while seeking negotiation on others.
What the Plan Envisions
The framework referenced by Trump calls for several core components designed to halt hostilities and lay groundwork for a longer-term arrangement. Key elements include an immediate ceasefire, a hostage exchange (with Hamas releasing hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel), a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a transitional government led by an international body.
The aim, according to Trump and his aides, is to reduce civilian casualties and rebuild trust in international diplomacy at a moment when Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has drawn global attention. The plan’s emphasis on an international-led transitional authority signals an attempt to balance security concerns with governance reforms that could shape future arrangements.
Trump’s Personal Role and Alliances
Trump recounted a conversation with Netanyahu in which he framed the moment as Netanyahu’s opportunity for victory. He suggested that Netanyahu “has no choice” but to back the process, asserting that under his leadership, the United States will strive to regain international support for Israel amid criticism over the war’s humanitarian toll.
Trump also credited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with pressuring Hamas to release hostages, calling Erdogan “very helpful” and a “friend.” The comments reflect the broader web of regional dynamics that negotiators must navigate in pursuit of a sustainable agreement.
Reactions on the Ground and in Global Capitals
News of the talks has drawn attention from allies and critics alike. Proponents argue that a formal ceasefire and hostage exchange could prevent further casualties and restore moderate momentum to a stalled diplomatic process. Critics, however, warn that a durable peace will require verifiable commitments, robust monitoring, and credible enforcement mechanisms—elements that critics say have sometimes been absent in past ceasefires.
As Israeli authorities reportedly ordered pauses in military actions while continuing operations in Gaza City, the situation on the ground remained volatile. The conflicting signals illustrate the difficulty of translating political agreement into immediate, verifiable stability in a densely populated area.
Outlook: What Comes Next?
With Trump asserting broad support for the plan and Hamas signaling openness to parts of the proposal, the window for a breakthrough may hinge on the final negotiations over ceasefire terms, security guarantees, and the nature of the international governance body. Observers cautioned that even a near agreement would require time to implement, monitor, and reassure populations affected by years of conflict.
Trump’s remarks also touch on a broader campaign narrative: the restoration of Israel’s standing on the world stage. He suggested that success in diplomacy could help “get all that support back
