Netanyahu Backs Trump Gaza Deal, Hamas Holds Out

WASHINGTON, DC - President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to back a U.S.-led proposal to end nearly two years of war in Gaza, though the absence of Hamas from the talks left major questions about the deal’s viability. Speaking beside Netanyahu at the White House, Trump said the two sides were “beyond very close” to reaching peace for the Palestinian territory. He warned Hamas that Israel would have full U.S. support to act militarily if the group rejects the terms of the plan.

The White House outlined a 20-point framework that calls for an immediate ceasefire, the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel, a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the creation of a transitional governing body under international oversight.

Trump entered the meeting seeking to resolve Netanyahu’s doubts about the proposal, including provisions that could open the door to a future Palestinian state and the potential involvement of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s post-war administration. It was not immediately clear whether those disagreements had been fully bridged, but Netanyahu told reporters he supported the plan, describing it as consistent with Israel’s war aims and saying it would secure the return of hostages, dismantle Hamas’s military power, end its political rule, and ensure Gaza could never again threaten Israel.

The key obstacle remains Hamas, which has repeatedly refused to disarm and was not part of the negotiations. The group triggered the conflict with its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and still holds 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, according to Israeli officials. Without Hamas’s acceptance, the viability of Trump’s peace effort remains highly uncertain despite Netanyahu’s endorsement and Washington’s determination to stabilize Gaza with the support of international partners.