‘I think we have a deal’: Trump hints at agreement to end Gaza war and get hostages back

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Sep 26) said that the US may have finalised a deal to end the war in Gaza. This comes after recent talks with Israel and Arab states. Trump made the statement as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“I think we have a deal,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “It’s looking like we have a deal on Gaza. I think it’s a deal that will get the hostages back, it’s going to be a deal that will end the war.”

As Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, Netanyahu suggested plans to annex the West Bank. Earlier on Tuesday (Sep 23), the US president met with Arab and Muslim leaders at the UN, assuring them that he would now allow annexation of the territory, which is governed by the Palestinian Authority.

As the talks continue, Trump’s special envoy for peace missions, Steve Witkoff, said, “We presented what we call the Trump 21-point plan for peace in the Mideast in Gaza.” He added, “I think it addresses Israeli concerns and as well, the concerns of all the neighbours in the region.” Witkoff did not mention the West Bank directly.

Following his meeting with Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that it was “fruitful,” without sharing further details.

Trump also hosted Erdogan at the White House on Thursday (Sep 25), during which the two leaders discussed F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, Russian oil imports, and the Israel-Gaza war.

“I have to meet Israel. They know what I want. I think we can get Gaza done. But we want hostages out, all of them,” Trump said after his meeting. “I’m going to have to tell Israel. Let’s go. Everyone wants this war to end,” the Republican leader added.