Trump Expresses Confidence in Gaza Ceasefire Deal with Netanyahu
September 29, 2025
United States President Donald Trump said on Monday he was “very confident” about reaching a ceasefire deal in Gaza during talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Trump described the meeting as a “big day” and highlighted ongoing efforts for peace. “Things that have been going on for hundreds of years, thousands of years … we are very, very close,” he said.
Broader Middle East Peace Plan
Trump emphasized that the discussions were not limited to Gaza but part of a wider peace initiative for the Middle East. He revealed that he had formally shared “principles for peace” after consultations with regional and global partners.
“I want to thank the leaders of many Arab and Muslim nations, as well as our allies in Europe, for their support in developing this proposal,” Trump noted.
Netanyahu’s Assurances
According to the White House, Netanyahu expressed regret over a recent Israeli attack in Doha and assured that Israel would not violate Qatari sovereignty again. Both leaders discussed the Gaza war, security in the Middle East, and opportunities for improved regional cooperation.
Key Features of the Reported Plan
As per reports by Israel’s Channel 12 and Axios, Trump’s proposal includes:
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An immediate ceasefire and release of hostages.
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A phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, excluding Hamas but involving the Palestinian Authority.
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Deployment of Arab and Muslim peacekeepers to oversee security.
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A reconstruction programme backed by international contributors.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also stated in a TV interview that both sides were “very close” to finalizing a framework.
PM Shehbaz Welcomes Initiative
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the US-led effort in a statement on X, calling it a positive step toward ending the Gaza war.
“I welcome President Trump’s plan to ensure an end to the war in Gaza. Lasting peace between the Palestinian people and Israel is essential for regional stability and economic growth,” Shehbaz wrote.
He also praised Trump’s leadership and the efforts of his envoy, Steve Witkoff, while reiterating Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution as the only path to permanent peace.
Earlier, Shehbaz had met journalists in London and pointed to Trump’s consultations with Muslim leaders in New York last week, where discussions with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkiye, and Indonesia took place.
Humanitarian Impact
Israel’s military actions in Gaza over the past two years have left at least 65,549 people dead and more than 167,000 wounded, according to UN reports. Millions remain displaced, while UN investigators have accused Israel of committing crimes against humanity.
