WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump touted his plan for a peace deal in Gaza following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday but added the U.S. would back Israel to “finish the job” if the deal is rejected by Hamas.
“I think we are very close,” Trump said of a ceasfire deal while holding joint remarks at the White House.
The president added that the U.S. would also support Israel to continue its fighting should the deal be rejected.
“Bibi, you’d have our full backing to do what you would have to do,” he added.
The White House released a 20-point plan to end the war begins with an immediate ceasefire and proposes that Hamas release all of the hostages within 72 hours in exchange for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops with the goal of a permanent ceasefire.
“I hope that we’re going to have a deal for peace, and if Hamas rejects the deal, which is always possible, they’re the only one left,” Trump said. “Everyone else has accepted it.”
White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner have been closely involved in the process, along with Vice President JD Vance and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Trump told reporters.
The Palestinian Authority said in a statement on Monday that it welcomed the plan and “stresses the importance of partnership with the United States in achieving peace in the region,” according to the Wafa news agency.
Netanyahu has also faced growing pressure from Trump over Israel’s actions in the Middle East, with Trump warning he would not allow the country to annex the West Bank.
Around 250 people were taken hostage in the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were also killed. More than 66,000 people have been killed in Gaza under Israel’s war.
