WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the eve of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, US President Donald Trump suggested that a significant diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East may be close, as efforts intensify to end the devastating war in Gaza.
Taking to his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump wrote:
“We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!”
The post comes just days after Trump announced he had presented a 21-point plan to Arab and Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, aimed at securing a ceasefire, releasing hostages, and rebuilding Gaza with international support.
Trump Pushes Peace Deal as Netanyahu Visits White House
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump expressed confidence that the deal could bring an end to the war in Gaza and lead to the return of hostages captured during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
“I think we have a deal,” said Trump. “I think it’s a deal that will get the hostages back. I think it’s a deal that will end the war.”
Netanyahu is set to meet Trump on Monday at the White House, where the proposed plan is expected to top the agenda. According to diplomatic sources quoted by AFP, the plan calls for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and a major influx of humanitarian aid.
The plan also includes a controversial provision that the Palestinian Authority (PA)—currently based in the West Bank—would take over governance in Gaza, a proposal that has divided Israeli leadership and stirred debate across the region.
Arab and Muslim leaders have broadly welcomed Trump’s peace initiative, seeing it as a path forward after nearly a year of unrelenting conflict. However, they have also called for an immediate ceasefire and a complete end to Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Some Western nations have already begun shifting their diplomatic positions. In recent days, Britain, France, Canada, and Australia have moved to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, signaling growing frustration with the US and Israel’s historical approach to the two-state solution.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu remains publicly skeptical about some elements of Trump’s proposal—particularly the role of the Palestinian Authority in post-war Gaza.
“The likelihood of a reformed Palestinian Authority that accepts a Jewish state, teaches coexistence, and stops inciting hatred? Well, good luck,” Netanyahu said during an interview on Fox News.
“I don’t think it’s going to happen.”
Still, Netanyahu acknowledged that Trump’s efforts are focused on achieving the release of hostages and creating a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
“We want to get rid of Hamas rule, disarm Gaza, and bring stability to the region,” he said. “If this plan helps us achieve that, it deserves serious consideration.”
Trump’s renewed involvement in the Middle East comes at a pivotal moment. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has drawn increasing international condemnation, especially as the death toll continues to climb.
According to figures from the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 66,000 Palestinians—mostly civilians—have been killed since the conflict began. The United Nations continues to regard these figures as reliable despite ongoing scrutiny.
On the Israeli side, the war was triggered by a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, in the worst single-day assault in Israel’s history. In addition, 251 hostages were taken, with 47 still believed to be held in Gaza, including 25 presumed dead, according to the Israeli military.
With public pressure mounting both domestically and internationally, Trump’s proposal could represent one of the final opportunities to broker a comprehensive peace agreement before the conflict spirals further.
As Trump prepares for Monday’s crucial meeting with Netanyahu, all eyes will be on how the Israeli prime minister responds to the American president’s push for peace.
The plan’s success will depend on Israeli willingness to compromise, Palestinian unity, and Arab cooperation—three factors that have historically proven elusive in the decades-long conflict.
Trump has made bold claims before, but this time the stakes are immeasurably high. With humanitarian crises escalating and political tensions mounting across the globe, his ability to push through a Middle East peace initiative could define his foreign policy legacy.
“This is the first time all sides are seriously considering a unified solution,” said a senior White House official. “If Trump can pull this off, it will be a defining moment in regional history.”
Source- EWN
