U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Israel and Hamas to accelerate efforts toward a Gaza peace agreement, cautioning that any delay could result in further violence. His appeal came ahead of the latest round of negotiations between the two sides scheduled to take place in Egypt on Monday.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had been informed that the initial stage of the peace plan was expected to conclude this week. “I urge everyone to move fast,” he wrote, warning that “massive bloodshed” could follow if talks falter. “Time is of the essence—something nobody wants to see,” he added.
Trump claimed that recent exchanges with Hamas and several countries had been “positive,” noting that discussions over the weekend had centred on ending the war in Gaza, freeing hostages, and charting a path to “long-sought peace” in the region. He said technical teams from both sides would reconvene in Egypt to work on the remaining details.
Sources familiar with the negotiations said the first phase of the proposed deal is likely to prioritise the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
Hamas, according to reports, has signalled its acceptance of certain parts of Trump’s plan. These include halting the conflict, facilitating Israel’s withdrawal, ensuring mutual prisoner releases, and allowing humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts to proceed. The group’s response followed a warning from Trump, who had issued an ultimatum to Hamas to accept the proposal or face “all hell.”
Soon after Trump’s remarks, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza reportedly killed six people. The following day, the former president announced that Israel had agreed to an initial withdrawal line, pending confirmation from Hamas, which could pave the way for a ceasefire.
In a televised statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was “on the verge of a great achievement,” expressing hope that during the Jewish festival of Sukkot, he would be able to announce the return of hostages. He added that Israeli forces remained active “in the depths of the Gaza Strip.”
Netanyahu, however, reaffirmed his commitment to “disarm Hamas,” insisting that it would be achieved “the easy way or the hard way.” He also indicated that Israel would not agree to a complete withdrawal from Gaza, a key demand from Hamas in any potential peace deal.
