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U.S. President Donald Trump voiced optimism Monday about securing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, telling reporters he was "very confident" as he welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House for discussions on a comprehensive U.S.-led peace initiative.
"I am, I'm very confident," Trump said when asked about prospects for peace in Gaza. Pressed on whether all parties had committed to his 21-point proposal, the president repeated: "very confident."
The White House meeting comes as the Trump administration pushes to broker an end to the devastating conflict that has gripped Gaza for nearly a year, leaving the Palestinian territory in ruins and claiming tens of thousands of lives.
Netanyahu had confirmed Sunday that Israel is actively collaborating with the Trump administration on the peace plan, though he emphasized the proposal remains a work in progress. Speaking on Fox News, the Israeli prime minister laid out his government's core demands: the release of all hostages held in Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the complete demilitarization of the coastal enclave.
"We are working on this. It's not finalized yet, but we are currently working with President Trump's team and hopefully we can do this," Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader also addressed the possibility of allowing Hamas leadership to leave Gaza, referencing earlier statements about potential amnesty. "If Hamas leaders left the country and ended the war while freeing all hostages, we would release them," he said, adding that "this needs to be worked on."
Netanyahu praised Trump during the interview, calling him "the most independent and extraordinary leader I have seen in my entire life" and emphasizing that Trump makes decisions based on American interests.
Trump separately told Axios that negotiations have reached their "final stage," describing all parties as working toward consensus, though he acknowledged no agreement has been finalized. The president characterized his proposal as extending beyond immediate ceasefire concerns to establish "a broader process for regional peace."
"If we succeed, it will be a great day for Israel and the Middle East. This will be the first chance for real peace in the Middle East. But first we need to finalize the agreement," Trump said.
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Details of the 21-point plan leaked to media outlets outline a phased withdrawal of Israeli military and the establishment of a technocrat-led transitional administration in Gaza. Under the proposal, hostilities would cease once both Hamas and Israel accept the terms, with all Israeli prisoners—both alive and dead—to be handed over within 48 hours.
The plan calls for Gaza to be governed temporarily by a transitional administration composed of technocrats, with security provided by an international peacekeeping force. Israeli troops would gradually withdraw from areas where security has been established.
Eventually, the transitional government would transfer control to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority after implementing necessary reforms. Hamas would be required to disarm, and while Israel would not target Hamas officials who remain in Gaza, those choosing to relocate to other countries would be permitted to leave.
The proposal emphasizes that Palestinians in Gaza would be encouraged to remain in the territory and would not be forced to emigrate, though those who choose to leave would retain the right to return.
The conflict erupted following Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of around 240 hostages. Israel's military response has killed over 45,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry.
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