Trump vows ‘intense’ talks to continue until deal reached to free hostages, end Gaza war

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he was holding intensive talks with Middle Eastern nations on a Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal and that Israel and the Palestinian terror group Hamas were aware of the discussions, which he said would continue as long as required.

After meeting leaders and officials from multiple Muslim-majority countries this week to discuss plans for ending the war, Trump wrote on his Truth Social app that he’s “pleased to report that we are having very inspired and productive discussions with the Middle Eastern Community concerning Gaza.”

“Intense negotiations have been going on for four days, and will continue for as long as necessary in order to get a Successfully Completed Agreement. All of the Countries within the Region are involved, Hamas is very much aware of these discussions, and Israel has been informed at all levels, including Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu,” Trump said, referring to the premier by his nickname.

Trump added: “There is more Goodwill and Enthusiasm for getting a Deal done, after so many decades, than I have ever seen before. Everyone is excited to put this period of Death and Darkness behind them. It is an Honor to be a part of this Negotiation. We must get the Hostages back, and get a PERMANENT AND LONGLASTING PEACE!”

The social media post came hours after Trump told reporters that a deal to end the war and free the hostages was “very close,” a predication he has repeatedly made since returning to the White House earlier this year.

“I think we have a deal on Gaza — very close to a deal on Gaza,” he said before departing the White House to attend the Ryder Cup golf tournament in New York. “It’s looking like we have a deal on Gaza. We’ll let you know.”

“It’s going to be a deal that will get the hostages back. It’s going to be a deal that ends the war. It’s going to be peace,” Trump continued. “I think we have a deal.”

Trump indicated Thursday that he would have to meet with Netanyahu in Washington on Monday before the deal can be finalized.

At Tuesday’s meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders, Trump presented a US plan for ending the war, releasing the hostages and establishing a non-Hamas governing body in Gaza to administer the Strip.

While the Arab and Muslim leaders welcomed the proposal, Israel and Hamas have yet to publicly do the same.

Netanyahu’s remarks before the UN General Assembly on Friday, pledging to continue the war started by the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack until all of Israel’s aims have been met, indicated that he is not yet ready to accept the Trump plan, which Israeli television reported that the premier is facing US pressure to accept.

Channel 13 news quoted Israeli sources who said the administration’s patience was wearing thin over the Gaza war, with Israel increasingly pressed in recent days to back a hostage release agreement that ends the war.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer (R) speak with US envoy to the Mideast Steve Witkoff (L), during the premier’s visit to Washington, DC on July 7, 2025. (Avi Ohayon/GPO)

According to the Kan public broadcaster, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner told Netanyahu on Thursday during a meeting in New York that “the president thinks the time has come to strive for an end to the war.”

“Bibi, the time has come,” the pair reportedly added.

The broadcaster also said there are several clauses in the US plan for ending the war that Netanyahu strongly opposes, which he and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer relayed to Witkoff and Kushner, who were aiming to secure an agreement before the prime minister’s scheduled meeting with Trump at the White House on Monday.

“Any proposal must include Hamas’s total collapse. We won’t compromise on that,” unnamed associates of Netanyahu told Kan, a day after Channel 12 news reported on the premier’s unease with parts of the proposal.

White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, right, and Jared Kushner wait for the arrival of President Donald Trump at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, N.J., on July 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Kushner, who was a key player in Trump’s 2020 Deal of the Century peace plan and the Abraham Accords, was heavily involved in creating the framework along with former British prime minister Tony Blair.

The White House plan is based heavily on the one crafted by Blair and revealed by The Times of Israel last week. The former UK premier has been holding marathon meetings with regional leaders to rally support for his initiative, which would establish a transitional governing body that can administer Gaza until a reformed Palestinian Authority is ready to take over.

Agencies contributed to this report.