White House says Gaza deal 'very close' amid renewed ceasefire talks

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Fox News
29 Sep 2025 17:19

US President Donald Trump is set to discuss a 21-point peace plan with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike on the Macca Tower, a high-rise building in Gaza City, Sunday, September 28, 2025, following a prior warning issued by the Israeli army (AP)

US President Donald Trump said Monday he was "very confident" of a Gaza deal as he welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House for talks on a US-led peace plan.

"I am, I'm very confident," Trump told reporters when asked if he was confident there would be peace in Gaza. He repeated "very confident" when asked if all parties were on board with his 21-point plan.

Earlier, the White House announced on Monday that a deal between "Israel" and the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza is “very close”, signaling possible progress toward a Gaza ceasefire and a broader resolution to the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza.

Speaking on Fox News' Fox and Friends, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that US President Donald Trump would present a 21-point peace plan during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington later in the day.

According to Leavitt, Trump is expected to outline the key terms of the proposed Gaza deal in his discussion with Netanyahu. The plan reportedly aims to end the war on Gaza and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.

“To reach a reasonable deal for both sides, both sides have to give up a little bit and might leave the table a little bit unhappy, but that is ultimately how we are going to end this conflict,” Leavitt said.

She emphasized that the White House’s focus remains on securing a deal that leads to a long-term Gaza ceasefire and renewed stability in Palestine and the broader region.

Trump is also set to hold calls with Qatari leaders, who have played a central role in mediating between "Israel" and the Palestinian Resistance factions.

Qatar’s role in mediation between 'Israel', Palestinian Resistance

Qatar has long served as a conduit for indirect negotiations between "Israel" and the Palestinian Resistance. In this context, it is facilitating dialogue in hopes of reaching an agreement that satisfies both parties and brings an end to the hostilities.

While previous attempts at ceasefires in Gaza have faltered due to Israeli breaches of terms, US officials express cautious optimism that this framework could hold, given the involvement of multiple regional actors and direct US engagement.

A successful agreement would mark a significant shift in the United States’ role in the region and could signal a new phase in US foreign policy regarding Palestine and the Middle East.

Egypt, UAE support initiatives for Gaza ceasefire

Meanwhile, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, held talks in Cairo on Monday to strengthen fraternal ties and enhance bilateral cooperation aligned with both countries' development goals.

The two leaders reviewed several regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the latest developments in the Middle East. Both emphasized the importance of recent global momentum in recognizing the State of Palestine, reaffirming that a "two-state solution" is the only viable path to achieving lasting peace, security, and stability in the region.

Both presidents expressed support for initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and a permanent resolution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

El-Sisi also underlined the urgent need to enhance joint Arab action in light of escalating regional challenges. They emphasized safeguarding regional security and promoting sustainable development for Arab nations.