The White House has said Israel and Hamas are very close to agreeing on a Gaza ceasefire deal. U.S. President Donald Trump will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today in Washington to discuss the 21-point peace plan. Trump is also expected to speak with Qatar’s leaders, who are acting as mediators with Hamas. White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt confirmed both sides are approaching a framework for ending the conflict and building lasting peace.
Leavitt stated that both parties must make difficult compromises to finalize the deal. She explained that neither side will get everything it wants. However, she said the agreement would still move the region toward peace. The meeting comes as pressure increases on Israel to end the months-long war in Gaza. Trump believes the time is right to secure a ceasefire with global and regional support.
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Netanyahu’s visit follows his recent speech at the United Nations, where he criticized countries that support Palestinian statehood. His remarks sparked a boycott by diplomats, leaving much of the UN hall empty. Now, he returns to Washington for his fourth visit this year amid growing international scrutiny. Trump, meanwhile, emphasized that while he won’t allow Israel to annex the West Bank, he remains hopeful for a Gaza deal.
Leaked drafts of the proposed plan outline several key steps for ending the war. First, Hamas would release all hostages within 48 hours of the agreement. In return, Israel would free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas members willing to disarm would receive safe passage, while the group’s military wing would be dismantled. The Israeli army would slowly exit Gaza, which would then be run by an interim government.
This plan marks a big shift in U.S. policy from past proposals to evacuate Gaza’s population. Instead, it encourages Palestinians to remain and rebuild under international supervision. The plan allows for the Palestinian Authority to play a role in Gaza’s future, if it agrees to reforms. While not final yet, the draft offers a rare sign of hope. The world now watches closely as leaders try to end the bloodshed.