Trump Says Gaza Peace Close as Ceasefire Talks Intensify

Trump Says Gaza Peace Close as Ceasefire Talks Intensify.
Netanyahu faces pressure to stop Gaza offensive.
Gaza death toll rises amid worsening food crisis.

United States President Donald Trump has expressed optimism over ongoing efforts to end the protracted Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, suggesting that significant progress is underway. Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, Trump revealed that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, assured him that “Gaza is very close” to a breakthrough.

The renewed hope follows the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Iran on Tuesday after their recent 12-day war, which Trump believes could pave the way for wider peace talks.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, is facing mounting pressure from opposition politicians, hostages’ families, and even members of his coalition to halt the Gaza conflict, which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack that left over 1,200 people dead.

Qatar announced a fresh diplomatic push for a ceasefire, with Hamas confirming intensified talks with key mediators in Egypt and Qatar. However, Hamas officials say no new proposals have been presented.

The Israeli government maintained that efforts to secure the release of hostages remain a priority both through military operations and negotiations.

Israel’s war in Gaza has claimed at least 56,156 lives, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israeli forces have also suffered 441 casualties, including seven soldiers killed on Tuesday in Khan Yunis.

Domestically, Netanyahu faces rare criticism from his coalition partners, with ultra-Orthodox lawmaker Moshe Gafni questioning the purpose of the continued fighting.

Relatives of hostages and human rights groups have joined calls for an end to the war, citing mounting civilian deaths and worsening famine-like conditions in Gaza.

On Wednesday, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli fire killed 35 people, including six waiting for food aid, though the Israeli military said it was unaware of the incident.