Trump says Gaza ceasefire talks ‘going well’ as Netanyahu confirms plan to relocate Palestinians

Trump says Gaza ceasefire talks ‘going well’ as Netanyahu confirms relocation plan for Palestinians

Donald Trump said there is "progress" in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, as he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The two leaders also confirmed that the U.S. and Israel are working “very closely” on a plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to other countries — a move heavily criticised by human rights groups.

Speaking to reporters during a dinner between American and Israeli officials, Trump was optimistic:
"We've had great cooperation from surrounding countries... something good will happen."

Netanyahu echoed the sentiment, saying Israel is in talks with several nations to help facilitate a future for displaced Palestinians.
"If people want to stay, they can stay. But if they want to leave, they should be able to leave," he said.
"It shouldn’t be a prison."

Ceasefire hopes rise in Washington and Doha

Zeev Elkin, an Israeli minister from Netanyahu’s war cabinet, said on Tuesday there is a “substantial chance” a ceasefire agreement could be reached:
“Hamas wants to change a few central matters — it’s not simple, but there is progress,” Elkin told Israeli broadcaster Kan.

Talks resumed in Doha this week, marking the first indirect negotiations in over a month. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are pushing for a deal that includes:

• Phased hostage releases

• Gradual Israeli troop withdrawals

• A framework to end the war entirely

Hamas insists on a complete end to hostilities before releasing remaining hostages, while Israel demands their release and the dismantling of Hamas before agreeing to peace.

Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to join the Doha talks later this week.

Relocation plan sparks controversy

The proposed resettlement of Palestinians has drawn sharp criticism. Reports allege Israel is considering the forced transfer of Gazans into camps near Rafah — described by critics as a "blueprint for ethnic cleansing." Asked whether Palestinians should be forcibly removed, Trump deferred to Netanyahu.

“It’s called free choice,” Netanyahu said, adding:
“We’re working with the U.S. on countries that can offer Palestinians a better future. And I think we’re getting close to finding several.”

Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

During the meeting, Netanyahu handed Trump a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize, praising his efforts to broker peace in the Middle East.
“You deserve it,” Netanyahu said.
“Coming from you, this is very meaningful,” Trump replied.

It marks Trump’s second nomination this year, after a similar recommendation by Pakistan last month.

Iran, Ukraine and broader Middle East tensions

Trump also touched on the recent U.S. strikes on Iran, saying he hopes for no further escalation.
“They want to work something out,” he said.
Though no date was given, Trump confirmed that talks with Iran are “being planned.”

On Ukraine, Trump expressed disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin and signaled renewed U.S. military aid:
“We’re going to send some more weapons. They have to be able to defend themselves.”

Two-state solution still off the table

When asked about a two-state solution, Trump again passed the question to Netanyahu, who reaffirmed Israel’s hardline position.
“The Palestinians should have all powers to govern themselves — but not to threaten us,” Netanyahu said.
“Overall security will always remain in our hands.”

Despite ongoing violence and a death toll nearing 60,000 — most of them Palestinian — both leaders expressed confidence in reaching a broader peace agreement under Trump’s leadership.

“I think we can work out peace across the Middle East by working together,” Netanyahu concluded.

The White House

The White House