Trump Says Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal ‘Very Close’ as Hostage Talks Progress

The Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal may be closer to reality than ever before. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both voiced strong optimism that a breakthrough is imminent.

After months of violence, hostage crises, and political pressure, diplomatic momentum appears to be building toward a 60-day ceasefire and the return of both living and deceased hostages.

This latest push comes amid intensified efforts by U.S. negotiators, renewed media scrutiny, and mounting humanitarian concerns in Gaza. With high-level meetings taking place in Washington and Doha, global attention is now focused on whether these talks can end one of the most volatile chapters in the region’s recent history.

Leaders Say Peace Talks Are Advancing

During a press conference, Trump gave an optimistic update. He told Fox News reporter Peter Doocy:

“We’re getting very close to a deal. We want to have peace. We want to get the hostages back. And I think we’re close to doing it.”

Similarly, Netanyahu confirmed the development in a separate interview. he explained:

“We’re talking about a 60-day ceasefire, Half of the live hostages and half of the deceased would be returned to Israel. I think there’s a good chance we’ll have it.”

These comments followed a high-level meeting at the White House. Trump reportedly urged Netanyahu to finalize the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal quickly to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages, including several Americans.

Hamas Responds With Conditions

However, Hamas leaders have expressed skepticism. In a statement to Al Jazeera, Hamas spokesperson Taher Al-Nono said the group agreed to release 10 hostages. But he warned that any deal must include a full Israeli withdrawal and a complete halt to aggression.

“The negotiations face serious challenges,” the statement read. “Our demands include international guarantees and a total end to the war. The United States holds the real power to make Israel stop if it chooses to act.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Doha to continue talks with mediators. Despite obstacles, he said there’s still hope the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal could be finalized within days.

Aid Distribution Adds to the Pressure

Beyond negotiations, humanitarian aid remains a flashpoint. Netanyahu defended Israel’s decision to manage aid distribution outside the United Nations. He said:

“We created our own system to keep Hamas from stealing food meant for civilians. They resell it, raise prices, and use the profits to recruit fighters.”

International frustration has been growing over this system. While the U.N. is still distributing some aid, convoys have faced repeated attacks. Netanyahu said both the U.N. and Gaza Humanitarian Foundation would continue to deliver supplies under the new ceasefire plan.

If the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal succeeds, it could mark a major turning point in the conflict. With pressure mounting and hostages still in captivity, the coming days may determine whether peace is possible, or if war will drag on.

You might also want to read: Netanyahu’s Big Move: Nominating Trump for Nobel Peace Prize at the White House Meeting