Trump Says Gaza Deal ‘Very Close’ as Israel, Hamas Upbeat
Smoke rises after Israeli forces carry out airstrikes in Khan Yunis, Gaza on Oct. 8.
Photographer: Abdallah F.s. Alattar/Anadolu/Getty ImagesUS President Donald Trump said a peace deal in the Middle East is “very close,” after officials from Israel and Hamas were cautiously positive about the prospect talks underway in Egypt would bring an end to the two-year war in Gaza.
“It seems to be going well,” Trump told reporters at the White House, suggesting he’s likely to travel to the region - Egypt and possibly Gaza - soon. Shortly afterward, Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed him a note that said Trump needed to approve a social media post “soon so you can announce deal first,” according to a photo posted by an Associated Press photographer.