Journalism of Courage
US President Donald Trump on Monday apprised about the ongoing ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in Egypt to pause the Gaza war that has been continuing for the past two years, and said that the militant group has been making some important concessions during the negotiations in Egypt over his 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, CNN reported.
When the US president was asked about Hamas’ response over his Gaza ceasefire plan, Trump said, “I think Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important,” CNN reported. When asked by the network if the US had any red lines, like its demand that Hamas should disarm, Trump replied, “Well, if certain things aren’t met? We’re not going to do it, but I think we’re doing very well.”
The report added that Trump was also asked about a report from Axios which had stated that the US president urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop being negative and take it as a win after Hamas responded to his 20-point Gaza ceasefire proposal. However, Trump denied that Israel’s prime minister has been negative and added, “No, it’s not true. He’s been very positive. He’s been very positive on the deal.”
Concluding his remarks, Trump said, “But this is a deal that, incredibly, everyone just came together. They all came together. No, Israel’s been great. They’ve all been good. I really think we will get a deal done.”
The talks being held in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh between Hamas and mediators will continue on Tuesday “amid a positive atmosphere,” reported Egypt’s state-affiliated Al Qahera News. Israeli and Hamas’ negotiators began indirect talks in Egypt on Monday over the 20-point US proposed plan to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
Hamas has voiced its concerns whether Israel would commit to a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive pullout, said a Palestinian official close to the negotiations, Reuters reported.
