Trump Claims Gaza Deal Is “Very Close” as Talks Intensify

Negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza are reportedly making significant progress, with former President Donald Trump suggesting that a deal is “very close.” This latest round of indirect talks commenced on Monday in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, where delegations from multiple parties have increased their presence, signaling heightened engagement in discussions.

On Wednesday, Trump expressed optimism about the negotiations, indicating that he may travel to the Middle East as soon as this weekend if an agreement is finalized. “I was just given a note by the Secretary of State saying that we’re very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they’re going to need me pretty quickly,” he stated during an event at the White House. According to reports, the note suggested Trump should prepare to announce the deal through a post on his platform, Truth Social.

The ongoing conflict, which has claimed over 67,000 lives since the onset of hostilities two years ago, escalated significantly following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. The violence has drawn in various regional players, complicating the situation further. On the eve of the second anniversary of that fateful attack, Hamas negotiators provided lists of hostages and Palestinian prisoners slated for exchange with Israel.

Key Players Join the Negotiations

Among those participating in the talks are Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, has also joined the negotiations, emphasizing the international dimension of these discussions.

Despite the optimism, key issues remain unresolved. Central to the negotiations are the timing of a ceasefire, establishing a post-war administration for Gaza, and the future of Hamas as a governing body. While Hamas has provided a list of prisoners for potential release, it has refused to discuss Israel’s insistence that they disarm, arguing that such a condition cannot be met while Israeli forces occupy Palestinian territories.

Sources close to the negotiations reveal that sticking points include the specifics of an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, with Hamas demanding a clear timeline linked to the release of hostages.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with recent Israeli military operations reportedly resulting in the deaths of eight individuals, the lowest daily toll in weeks. Local authorities have described the devastation, stating that much of Gaza has been flattened since the conflict intensified.

“We hope from God that a ceasefire would take place as soon as possible, because people can’t bear the suffering anymore,” said Jehad al-Shagnobi, a Gazan whose home was destroyed in the ongoing conflict. Israeli military sources maintain that operations are targeted and necessary to prevent further attacks.

In a parallel effort, Arab nations will convene in Paris on Thursday to discuss Gaza’s future post-conflict, with representatives from Washington likely to participate. These discussions aim to establish a framework for rebuilding and governance in the region.

Trump’s plan for Gaza includes the establishment of an international body to oversee its post-war administration, which would involve leaders such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Arab countries supporting this initiative emphasize that it must ultimately lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, a point of contention given Netanyahu’s firm opposition to such a prospect.

As negotiations continue, the situation remains fluid, and the international community watches closely for developments that could bring an end to the suffering in Gaza.