WASHINGTON — President Trump indicated on Monday that he is optimistic about the progress of the “technical discussions” regarding his 20-point peace proposal for Gaza, noting that Hamas is showing willingness to engage during the ongoing talks in Egypt.
“The discussions have gone very well so far. We’ll have a clearer picture by the end of the week, but the signs are promising,” Trump conveyed to The Post during a brief telephone call.
In remarks made to reporters in the Oval Office later that afternoon, Trump stated, “Hamas is making agreements on critical issues.”
“As far as I can tell, they’ve been behaving well. I have no complaints to report,” the President said.
“I’m hopeful that this positive trend continues. I genuinely believe we are on the verge of reaching a deal, and it has the potential to be a lasting one. We’re working towards peace here.”
“This transcends Gaza,” he added. “While Gaza is a critical focal point, this is ultimately about achieving peace in the Middle East.”
Details surrounding the negotiations taking place in Sharm el Sheikh remain somewhat vague. Reports from Egypt’s state-owned Al-Wahera suggest that initial discussions involve Egyptian and Qatari mediators alongside Hamas representatives before they engage with Israeli officials.
Witkoff, a key envoy on Trump’s foreign conflicts, along with Kushner, who facilitated the Abraham Accords during Trump’s first term, are in communication with the negotiating parties and are expected to join the discussions in person soon.
US officials are keeping the developing final arrangements under tight wraps to prevent jeopardizing any potential breakthroughs in the ongoing two-year conflict, as sources informed The Post.
On Friday, Hamas proposed the release of approximately 20 Israeli hostages it is holding in exchange for a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and “the transfer of governance of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian independent body (technocrats).”
Several key elements remain unresolved, including strategies for demilitarizing Gaza and the voluntary departure of Hamas officials.
Details regarding personnel for the interim government and the nations that would contribute peacekeeping forces to the densely populated area are still pending.
Additionally, it remains uncertain who, besides former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, will be involved in overseeing the transitional administration under Trump’s proposed Board of Peace.
“Everything is handled with extreme confidentiality as we navigate through the various partners involved,” a US official remarked to The Post.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated during a briefing on Monday that “we aim to accelerate this process, and the president is eager to see the hostages released promptly.”
“The president is convinced that peace can be attained in Gaza, which is why he unveiled such a detailed and inclusive plan,” she added. “The first step involves achieving a ceasefire and ensuring the release of hostages.”
