President Trump dismisses media rumors, praises Israel’s cooperation, and says a breakthrough Gaza peace deal could be imminent.
In a confident statement from the White House on Monday, US President Donald Trump expressed strong optimism that a landmark deal to end the Gaza war and secure the release of hostages is within reach, while reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and peace in the Middle East.
Responding to reports by Axios that he had privately told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “stop being negative” about a potential deal and “take the win,” Trump was unequivocal:
“No, it’s not true. He’s been very positive on the deal. Everybody is. I think every nation is. We have just about every nation working on this deal and trying to get it done. Israel’s been great.”
The President noted that the ongoing indirect talks in Egypt—between Israel and Hamas under U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediation—were progressing constructively under his Trump Peace Plan, which outlines a phased ceasefire, hostage release, and the dismantling of Hamas’s war infrastructure.
Pressed by reporters about red lines in the negotiations, particularly on Hamas’s disarmament, Trump made clear that his approach is firm yet results-driven:
“I have red lines. If certain things aren’t met, we’re not going to do it. But I think we’re doing very well. Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important.”
Trump emphasized that the goal extends beyond a short-term ceasefire.
“This isn’t just about Gaza—it’s about peace in the Middle East. A lasting peace that ends decades of war and suffering.”
Earlier in the day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that the President’s objectives remain clear: securing an immediate ceasefire, ensuring the safe return of all 48 remaining hostages, and stabilizing the region through diplomacy backed by strength.
“The President wants to see a ceasefire. He wants to see the hostages released. The technical teams are discussing that as we speak, reviewing the lists of Israeli hostages and political prisoners to ensure the conditions are right for their release,” Leavitt said.
The negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh mark the most promising diplomatic momentum since the war began, with multiple Arab nations quietly supporting the Trump-led initiative as a framework for a new regional peace architecture centered on deterrence, normalization, and humanitarian relief.
Trump’s message was both hopeful and uncompromising—a reminder that peace under U.S. leadership comes from strength, not concessions.
