Trump Expresses Optimism About Reaching an Agreement in Gaza

SadaNews - US President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Tuesday regarding the progress made towards reaching an agreement concerning the Gaza Strip, stating that an American team has just left to participate in the negotiations. In remarks to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump added: "I believe there is a possibility for us to enjoy peace in the Middle East," going beyond Gaza, emphasizing that American negotiators are also participating in ongoing discussions in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The White House announced on Monday that Trump's special envoy, Steve Whitcomb, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, would play a role in the talks. Trump added, "There is a real opportunity for us to do something... I believe there is a chance to establish peace in the Middle East. It goes beyond even the situation in Gaza. We want the immediate release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas." Trump emphasized that the United States "will do everything possible to ensure that all parties adhere to the agreement" if Hamas and Israel agree to a ceasefire aimed at ending the war. Israeli tanks, boats, and aircraft targeted areas in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, continuing the relentless suffering of Palestinians on the second anniversary of the attack led by Hamas that ignited the war. This highlights the challenges facing the negotiations surrounding Trump's plan to end the conflict. Residents reported that Israel continued its assault after Hamas and Israel began indirect negotiations on Monday at the Sharm El-Sheikh resort in Egypt regarding difficult points such as Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. The talks, focused on Trump's plan, are widely viewed as the most hopeful moves yet to end a war that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated the strip.