Trump Says Israel Has Lost Global Support, Blames Netanyahu for ‘Overstepping’ in Gaza

According to Israeli Channel 12, Trump acknowledged that Netanyahu “went too far in Gaza,” saying, “Israel has lost a lot of support around the world. Now I want to bring all that support back to him.”

Speaking about his 20-point peace initiative, Trump said: “We’ve received very positive reactions to our plan. Countries all over the world support it. Bibi supports it. Hamas has come a long way, and they want this to happen. Now we just have to finalise the remaining details.”

Journalist Barak Ravid of Axios reported that in an exclusive interview, Trump confirmed that the U.S. is “close to a peace deal in Gaza” and that he hopes to finalise the agreement within the next few days. “I told Bibi, this is your chance to win,” Trump reportedly said.

A White House official told Axios that U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner will travel to Egypt to finalise the technical details regarding the release of hostages and discussions on a lasting peace arrangement.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced on Saturday morning that it had shifted to “defensive operations” in Gaza and halted its airstrikes “beyond what is necessary to protect its forces.” The move followed Trump’s public call on Friday for Israel to “immediately cease attacks” and engage in negotiations with Hamas to conclude the ceasefire agreement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had suspended its attacks to prepare for the “immediate implementation” of the first phase of Trump’s plan, which includes the swift release of all hostages.

Trump Praises Erdoğan’s Role in Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Trump also praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his role in pressing Hamas to advance the hostage-release process. “Erdoğan was very helpful,” Trump said, calling him “a tough man but my friend — and he did a great job.”

A U.S. official told Axios that Trump spoke with Erdoğan on Friday, prior to Hamas’s response, and urged him to “make sure Hamas doesn’t say no.” The official added that Trump told Erdoğan: “I’ve done a lot for you — now I need you to do this for me.”

Earlier, Agence France-Presse (AFP) quoted a senior Hamas official as saying that Egypt will soon host a Palestinian conference on Gaza’s post-war future. The Hamas official said the movement has informed mediators that it is ready to begin the exchange process “immediately after reaching a final agreement with Israel to facilitate preparations.”