Trump says Gaza deal “effectively done” — but Netanyahu remains unconvinced
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Sunday said a deal to end nearly two years of fighting in Gaza — one that would free hostages, disarm Hamas, and pause the war — is “effectively done” after talks with Arab and Muslim leaders at the United Nations last week. He signaled optimism on social media, writing that “ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL… WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!”
But the path to a deal looks far from certain.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given little sign he’s ready to accept a compromise. In a blunt UN address, he vowed to “finish the job” against Hamas and rejected moves toward a Palestinian state — and on Sunday, he told Fox News he doubts the Palestinian Authority can be reformed and trusted to govern Gaza again.
Trump’s meeting with Netanyahu in Washington this week — the Israeli leader’s fourth visit to the White House since January — will be closely watched. Administration officials say a roughly 21‑point, U.S.-backed framework is emerging that would include a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the disarmament of Hamas. Media reports have suggested a temporary international governing body for Gaza — the so‑called “Gaza International Transitional Authority” — backed by the U.N. and Gulf states, with former British prime minister Tony Blair sometimes mentioned as a possible administrator.
Families of Israeli hostages urged Trump to press ahead and protect the agreement. “We respectfully ask you to stand firm against any attempts to sabotage the deal you have brought forth,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum wrote in an open letter, warning that delays or interference would be devastating.
Analysts say the outcome will hinge on how much pressure Trump is willing to use on Netanyahu and how persistent U.S. diplomacy is. “Netanyahu prefers to continue the war and defeat Hamas,” Natan Sachs of the Middle East Institute told AFP, “but Trump can convince him — it would require a lot of pressure and a clear, sustained strategy.”
The two leaders plan a joint news conference at 1:15 p.m. Eastern on Monday (1715 GMT). For now, Trump’s optimism faces a hard political test: getting Israel’s government, Hamas, and regional partners to all sign on to a deal neither main party has fully embraced.
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