Trump Says Gaza Ceasefire Deal “Very Close” As Netanyahu Vows To “Finish The Job” Eliminating Hamas
President Trump believes a deal to end the war in Gaza is close. Outside of the White House Friday, he said the agreement would return hostages and “bring peace” after nearly two years of war. There are 48 hostages in Gaza, and about 20 are still believed to be alive.
His comments came as more than 100 diplomats walked out of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the UN General Assembly Friday morning – including some from European countries. Netanyahu used his speech to blast Western allies for recognizing Palestinian statehood this week, calling it a reward for Hamas, and vowed to “finish the job” of eliminating Hamas in Gaza.
“The final elements, the final remnants of Hamas, are holed up in Gaza City. They vow to repeat the atrocities of October 7 again and again and again, no matter how diminished their forces,” Netanyahu said. “That is why Israel must finish the job. That is why we want to do so as fast as possible.”
ON GAZA
Trump’s announcement follows his 21-point plan to end the war, which he unveiled at the UN this week, outlining the hostages’ release, new Israel-Palestinian talks, and Hamas disarmament.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas signaled support, saying the PA is ready to assume governance in Gaza under the plan. Israel has thus far rejected that idea.
At issue is that Hamas continues to fight and hold hostages in Gaza, and any long term solution depends on them agreeing to the deal and ultimately surrendering control. As of this week, Hamas has only agreed to a deal to return some of the hostages, and has refused to give up control of Gaza.
Netanyahu told hostages from the UN: “We have not forgotten you.”
MORE FROM ISRAEL
Netanyahu warned moves by France, Britain, Australia, Canada, and other Western allies recognizing Palestinian statehood sends a message that “murdering Jews pays off” and vowed Israel will not allow it.
He argued Palestinians “don’t want a state next to Israel — they want a state instead of Israel,” calling recognition after the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas “sheer madness.”
Netanyahu cited that 90% of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank support Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people.
Israel’s military response has since killed more than 65,000 militants and civilians in Gaza and displaced 90% of the population, according to health officials in the Hamas-led government.