Trump Denies Criticizing Netanyahu Over Gaza Deal Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed reports that he chastised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for being “too negative” about Hamas’s partial acceptance of a proposed peace framework to end the war in Gaza. Speaking from the White House, Trump said, “No, it’s not true. He’s been very positive on the deal.”

The denial follows recent media claims that a tense phone call took place between the two leaders, with Trump allegedly urging Netanyahu to “take the win” after Hamas indicated openness to parts of the U.S.-backed 20-point plan. While Trump publicly avoided criticizing Netanyahu, reports of his private frustration have surfaced amid the complex negotiations.

As ceasefire talks resume in Egypt, Trump expressed growing confidence that an agreement is within reach. “I’m pretty sure we’re going to have a deal,” he said. “Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important.” He added that the militant group had been “fine” in recent discussions and praised the support his plan is receiving from major regional players.

The Trump peace proposal which includes a phased ceasefire, hostage release, Israeli withdrawal to pre-August 2024 lines, and the creation of a transitional Palestinian governing body has garnered backing from countries such as Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. According to Trump, leaders like Turkish President Erdogan and the King of Jordan have played constructive roles in encouraging Hamas to engage with the process.

The President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner are leading the U.S. delegation at the talks in Sharm el Sheikh. A senior administration official said neither will leave Egypt without a signed agreement. The pressure is on, as the White House hopes to finalize the deal within days.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Hamas had publicly accepted the core of Trump’s framework last Friday. “All sides of this conflict agree that this war needs to end,” she said. The administration is now focused on implementing the plan in stages—first securing the release of Israeli hostages, then transitioning to long-term governance reforms in Gaza.

Leavitt also clarified the administration’s stance on Palestinian leadership, stating, “We’re not quite there yet,” when asked who would comprise the proposed technocratic transitional government. However, she stressed that Trump’s plan hinges on two pillars: reliable security guarantees for Israel and competent governance for Gaza.

While details remain sensitive, Trump emphasized his hope for a transformative moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy. “They’ve been trying to have a deal with Gaza literally for centuries,” he said. “I think we’re going to do it.”

The coming days are critical. With cautious optimism in the air, all eyes remain on Egypt, where history may be in the making.

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