Trump says Gaza ceasefire deal ‘beyond very close’, confirms Netanyahu’s backing

President Donald Trump on Monday said that a comprehensive Gaza peace deal is “beyond very close” and confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the plan, signaling strong US backing should Hamas reject it.

“We’re at a minimum, very, very close. And I think we’re beyond very close,” The Guardian quoted Trump as saying during a press conference following a White House meeting with Netanyahu.

He said the 20‑point proposal, circulated among key Arab leaders, envisages an immediate ceasefire, Hamas disarmament, and a phased Israeli withdrawal tied to the release of hostages.

#WATCH | Washington | During a joint press conference with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Trump says, “If accepted by Hamas, this proposal calls for the release of all remaining hostages immediately, in 72 hours… It means the immediate end to the war itself, not… pic.twitter.com/Zdmc1zX8pe

— ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2025

“Israel will immediately end the war,” said Trump, adding that he and Netanyahu agreed on the framework, which also includes deploying a temporary international stabilisation force and forming a transitional authority headed by Trump himself.

On his part, Netanyahu said he supports the plan to end the war in Gaza, calling it a “critical step” toward ending the war and achieving peace in the Middle East.

“I believe that today we’re taking a critical step towards both ending the war in Gaza and setting the stage for dramatically advancing peace in the Middle East, I think beyond the Middle East,” CNN quoted Netanyahu as saying.

“I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which achieves our war aims. It will bring back to Israel all our hostages, dismantle Hamas military capabilities and its political rule and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel,” he added.

Under the terms, Hamas militants would be excluded from post-conflict governance unless they disarm and commit to peaceful coexistence — in which case they may be eligible for amnesty.

Trump expressed cautious optimism that Hamas would accept the blueprint, though he acknowledged final approval from all parties remains pending.

I am “hearing that Hamas wants to get this done too”, said Trump as he cautioned that Netanyahu will maintain US support in the event Hamas declines to sign on to the agreement.

In a crucial change from Trump’s earlier apparent goals, Palestinians will not be forced to leave and instead, the document said, “we will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.”

The US president had met key Arab leaders at the United Nations last week and said Sunday on social media that “ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER.”

Netanyahu has recently given little reason for optimism, vowing in a defiant UN speech Friday to “finish the job” against Hamas and rejecting Palestinian statehood – recently recognised by several Western nations.

Normally a staunch ally of Netanyahu, the US president has shown increasing signs of frustration ahead of the Israeli premier’s fourth White House visit since Trump’s return to power.

Trump was infuriated by Israel’s recent strike on Hamas members in key US ally Qatar.

With inputs from agencies