For the first time in more than a month—and boosted by the ceasefire between Iran and Israel—there appears to be the beginnings of a renewed U.S. focus aimed at restarting negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza.
On Wednesday, ahead of a visit with NATO officials in the Hague, President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a Gaza deal could be reached soon. “I think great progress is being made on Gaza. Because of this attack that we made [against Iran], I think we’re going to have some very good news,” he said. Trump said that his special envoy Steve Witkoff had told him a Gaza deal was “very close.”
One of Trump’s envoys said in an interview Tuesday night that he believes an agreement between Israel and Hamas is within reach. “Since the Iran issue has ended, the current focus from Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediators is mainly focused on reaching a permanent ceasefire as soon as possible. God willing, a ceasefire could be achieved within days,” said Palestinian-American Bishara Bahbah, who is an informal envoy for the Trump administration. “I am optimistic.” ….more
