Trump May Visit Egypt as Israel and Hamas Approve First Phase of US-Brokered Gaza Peace Plan

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he may travel to Egypt this weekend to take part in crucial peace talks after Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a U.S.-brokered Gaza peace plan.

Speaking at the White House, Trump revealed that negotiators informed him the agreement was nearing completion. “I was just given a note by the Secretary of State saying that we’re very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they’re going to need me pretty quickly,” he said. The President added that he could depart for Egypt as soon as Saturday, either before or shortly after the release of hostages.

Trump confirmed that the talks — involving officials from the United States, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar — are being held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The negotiations aim to finalize the framework for a ceasefire and a large-scale hostage-prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.

The U.S. delegation includes Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, adviser Steve Witkoff, and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has also joined the discussions, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, Hamas confirmed it had submitted lists of hostages and Palestinian prisoners for release as part of the proposed deal. The group said progress was being made but key issues — including the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal and Gaza’s post-war governance — still needed resolution.

Within Gaza, Israel has reportedly scaled back its military operations under U.S. pressure, though limited airstrikes continue. Gaza health officials reported eight deaths in the past 24 hours — the lowest toll in several weeks.

Trump’s 20-point peace framework reportedly includes the creation of an international oversight body, potentially involving former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, to manage Gaza’s transition after the conflict. However, Arab nations have insisted that the plan must pave the way for an independent Palestinian state, a stance Israeli leader Netanyahu continues to oppose.

Hamas has stated it will only hand governance of Gaza to a Palestinian technocratic administration supported by Arab and Muslim countries, rejecting any proposal involving foreign intervention.

If successful, this peace deal could mark the most significant step toward ending the Gaza war and reshaping Middle Eastern diplomacy in years.