Trump says Gaza ceasefire could be reached within days

Reuters
Reuters

President Donald Trump said Friday he believes a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas could be reached within a week, following fresh diplomatic efforts.

President Donald Trump said Friday a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could be imminent, suggesting a deal may come together within days.

Speaking at the Oval Office during an event celebrating a Congo-Rwanda accord, Trump told reporters he had spoken with people involved in ongoing negotiations and believed an agreement was close.

“I think it’s close. I just spoke to some of the people involved,” Trump said. “We think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire.”

Trump did not name the officials he spoke with but has previously said he maintained near-daily contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the recent Israel-Iran conflict.

Trump’s remarks come despite few visible signs that Israel and Hamas are ready to resume negotiations. Hamas has said it is willing to release remaining hostages in Gaza under a ceasefire deal, but refuses to disarm, a key Israeli demand for ending the war.

Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is expected in Washington next week for talks with Trump administration officials on Gaza, Iran and a possible Netanyahu visit to the White House, a source said.

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