Trump optimistic Gaza truce can be ‘straightened out’ by end of the week

Trump and his envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, express optimism regarding the prospects for a breakthrough in hostage deal talks in Qatar in the coming days.

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

President Donald Trump and his top Middle East envoy both signaled that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas could be achieved in the near future, despite recent warnings by Qatari mediators that the talks are on the verge of collapse.

Trump briefly spoke with reporters before boarding Air Force One Sunday evening after attending the FIFA World Cup in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

When asked about the prospects for a breakthrough in the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal talks in Doha, Qatar, Trump said he was hopeful the impasse would be “straightened out” by the end of the week.

“Gaza – we are talking and hopefully we are going to get that straightened out over the next week. Let’s see what happens,” Trump said.

White House special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff also voiced optimism regarding the talks in Doha. 

Addressing reporters ahead of the FIFA World Cup match, Witkoff said he would be speaking with Qatari mediators on the sidelines of the game Sunday afternoon.

Witkoff added he is “hopeful” that a deal could be reached between the two sides.

The 68-year-old envoy spoke with Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and a major force in crafting Mideast policy during the first Trump administration, on the tarmac on Sunday.

Witkoff had been slated last week to travel to Doha in a bid to advance negotiations, but his visit was delayed amid warnings from Qatar that the talks were on the verge of collapse.