In a recent private phone conversation, US President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adopt a more optimistic outlook, following Hamas’s tentative acceptance of a new peace initiative aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict.
This dialogue took place as both Tel Aviv and Hamas seemed poised to make significant progress toward a resolution after nearly two years of hostilities.
Trump reached out to Netanyahu on Friday to share what he considered encouraging news regarding Hamas’s conditional agreement to the peace proposal. However, Netanyahu responded with skepticism, dismissing the development as insignificant and stating there was “nothing to celebrate.”
According to sources familiar with the call, Trump retorted sharply, questioning Netanyahu’s persistent negativity and insisting, “This is a victory. Embrace it.”
Officials revealed that Netanyahu interpreted Hamas’s response as a rejection and sought to have the US and Israel issue a joint statement reflecting this stance, aiming to counter any perception that Hamas had responded favorably.
Conversely, Trump viewed the partial acceptance as a vital breakthrough, especially given his concerns that Hamas might have outright rejected the plan. This divergence in viewpoints reportedly sparked Trump’s pointed reaction to Netanyahu’s cautious approach.
The exchange highlights Trump’s resolve to push past Netanyahu’s doubts and advance a peace agreement, contingent on Hamas fulfilling its commitments.
Following the call, Trump publicly urged Israel to pause its airstrikes in Gaza, a directive Netanyahu implemented three hours later.
In an interview with Axios, Trump expressed optimism about the peace process, stating, “We are close” to finalizing a deal in the coming days. Reflecting on his conversation with Netanyahu, Trump said he framed the moment as a “chance for victory,” noting that the Israeli leader eventually agreed. “I told Bibi, this is your moment to win. He accepted it… He has to accept it. With me, you have to be on board,” Trump remarked.
Delegations representing Hamas, Israel, and the United States are set to engage in indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday. President Trump has urged all parties to expedite talks aimed at securing the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with the ultimate goal of ending the conflict.
A senior Hamas official informed AFP that Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s chief negotiator, will meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo ahead of broader discussions scheduled in Sharm El-Sheikh.
The upcoming talks are expected to focus on setting a timeline for a temporary ceasefire and outlining the terms for the initial phase of the peace plan, which involves freeing 47 hostages in Gaza in return for the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
On his Truth Social account, President Trump lauded the “very positive discussions with Hamas” and regional partners, including Arab and Muslim nations. He emphasized the urgency of the process, stating, “I am told the first phase should be completed this week, and I am urging everyone to MOVE FAST.”
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