President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday that the United States is “very, very close” to a deal to end the war in Gaza following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking alongside Netanyahu, Trump described the day as “a big, big day” and said he hoped for a “positive response” from Hamas.
The White House unveiled a multi-point proposal intended to halt the fighting immediately if both sides agree. The plan calls for an immediate end to hostilities accompanied by a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of hostages — with a timetable for action to follow once Israel gives the green light.
Under the proposal, Gaza would be governed temporarily by an apolitical, technocratic authority from which Hamas would be excluded. That authority would operate under the oversight of an international “Board of Peace” reportedly to be chaired by Trump and including figures such as former British prime minister Tony Blair.
Netanyahu endorsed the plan at the joint press conference, saying it would allow Israel to meet its military objectives while facilitating the immediate return of hostages and the demilitarisation of Gaza. He also warned that if Hamas rejects the proposal or seeks to obstruct it, Israel would continue operations on its own.
Trump said all parties would agree a timetable for a phased Israeli withdrawal in coordination with the new transitional authority, and reiterated that no one would be forced to leave Gaza under the plan, which encourages residents to remain and take part in reconstruction efforts.
The proposal has already drawn international attention and controversy, particularly over the idea of placing a high-profile political figure such as Tony Blair in a senior supervisory role for Gaza’s reconstruction and governance. Negotiations and consultations with mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, were reported to be ongoing as officials awaited a formal response from Hamas.
Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.
