Trump says hostage deal is ‘very close,’ could lead to broader Middle East peace plan

Despite Trump’s optimism, Hamas told Al Jazeera that it insists Israel complete its withdrawal from Gaza once the last hostage is released—a demand that contradicts Trump’s condition that all hostages be freed at the start of the process.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that his administration is “very close” to reaching a deal that could end the Gaza war and potentially pave the way for broader peace across the Middle East.

Speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House, Trump said, “I think there’s a possibility that we could have peace in the Middle East, something even beyond the Gaza situation. We want a release of the hostages immediately.”

He confirmed that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner had departed for ceasefire talks in Egypt, emphasizing that “literally every other country in the world has supported the plan.”

Trump said there was “a real chance that we could do something,” referring to progress toward his 20-point peace framework that calls for the release of hostages before a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

When asked about a report claiming he told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “take the win” and stop being “negative” about the proposal, Trump denied it.

“No, it’s not true. He’s been very positive on the deal. Everybody is,” he said, adding that “Israel’s been great.”

Pressed on whether his plan includes red lines regarding Hamas disarming, Trump replied, “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. And I think Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important.” He said he expects an agreement soon, describing it as a deal for “lasting peace” that goes beyond Gaza.

Despite Trump’s optimism, Hamas told Al Jazeera that it insists Israel complete its withdrawal from Gaza once the last hostage is released—a demand that contradicts Trump’s condition that all hostages be freed at the start of the process.

The issue of U.S. guarantees remains central to the negotiations, as Hamas seeks assurances that Trump will prevent Israel from resuming military operations once the hostages are released.

Trump said the U.S. will “do everything possible to make sure everybody adheres” to the agreement if it is accepted by both sides, noting that “the U.S. has a lot of power” to ensure compliance.

According to a senior U.S. official cited by Channel 12, Witkoff and Kushner “will not leave Egypt without a deal.”

Another official credited Netanyahu’s military campaign for pressuring Hamas to become “more pragmatic” but added that “the time has come for a deal.”

Israeli negotiators have reportedly been instructed to focus only on core issues—hostage releases, IDF withdrawal maps, and Palestinian prisoner exchanges—while the U.S. considers a “take it or leave it” compromise if talks stall.

Trump was also scheduled to meet later Tuesday with former hostage and U.S. citizen Edan Alexander at the White House.