US President Donald Trump hinted this week that he may head to Egypt over the weekend to help push a Middle East deal toward an end. The former president told a White House audience that a breakthrough is “very close” and that he could depart as early as Saturday, according to the Arabic news outlet Al Jazeera.
During the event Trump read a note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the progress in the talks. “We’re very close to a deal,” Rubio said. “We’ll need you on the ground very soon,” Trump added. The president then said he would travel either before the release of captured soldiers or shortly afterward, stressing his urgency in resolving “the problems in the Middle East.”
A senior Palestinian source revealed that Egyptian mediators have assured the Palestinians that if an agreement comes together, Trump will announce an end to the Gaza war. The negotiators also confirmed that the Palestinian demands, such as withdrawal maps from deep inside Gaza before any captives are released, have been heard.
Both the Palestinian and Israeli delegations were urged to set a Friday deadline for the final negotiations. Hamas agreed to release all Israeli captives and to postpone the return of bodies until conditions allow, according to the same source. Early talks have moved forward on key items, including a list for the hostage swap and guarantees to keep the fighting from restarting after releases.
The mediators have finished meetings with the Palestinians and are now meeting the Israeli delegation to iron out remaining issues. Trump, meanwhile, said the phrase “peace for the Middle East” feels close to reality, praising the talented negotiators on both sides while noting that the road to peace will still be difficult.
With the possibility of a new deal and the president’s upcoming trip to Egypt, the Middle East region is watching closely for any signs that the Gaza war could finally come to an end.
Source: aninews
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