With Gaza Deal in Balance, Trump Prepares for Weekend Trip to Middle East.
President Donald Trump indicated on Wednesday that he may travel to the Middle East this weekend, pointing to what he described as significant strides in negotiations for a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.
“Negotiations are going along very well,” Trump told reporters, his tone optimistic. “I may go there sometime toward the end of the week, maybe on Sunday, actually. And we’ll see, but there is a very good chance.”
The potential trip underscores the administration’s belief that a landmark deal to end the conflict in Gaza is within reach. The President framed the final, critical hurdle as direct engagement with the Palestinian faction.
“Our final negotiation, as you know, is with Hamas, and it seems to be going well,” Trump stated. Offering a tentative timeline, he added, “So we’ll let you know — if that’s the case, we’ll be leaving probably on Sunday, maybe on Saturday.”
The comments suggest a high-stakes diplomatic push is underway. President Trump revealed he is in close contact with his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and senior adviser Jared Kushner, who are currently on the ground in Egypt spearheading the talks. He described the progress as a key component of his long-standing ambition to secure lasting “Peace for the Middle East,” a goal he now believes is “very close.”
The optimism appears to be shared by key regional players. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, whose country is hosting the indirect talks in Sharm El-Sheikh, confirmed the negotiations were showing positive momentum. He publicly commended Trump’s leadership and noted that the U.S. President’s 20-point peace framework serves as the foundation for the current discussions.
Even from the Hamas side, there were signals of cautious hope. Taher al-Nunu, a senior representative for the group, acknowledged that mediators were diligently working to bridge gaps on remaining issues. He noted that all parties were demonstrating “constructive engagement,” a rare public admission of a collaborative atmosphere.
According to sources familiar with the proposed agreement, the deal would orchestrate a comprehensive ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza. In return, it would require Hamas’s disarmament and lead to a phased Israeli military withdrawal. The intricate plan also includes a detailed prisoner exchange and a major reconstruction initiative for the war-torn Gaza Strip.
Despite the forward motion, significant obstacles remain. Negotiators from both sides have cautioned that major points of contention are still on the table. Hamas is pushing for guarantees of a permanent truce, while Israeli officials insist on the group’s complete disarmament before any withdrawal begins.
As the world watches, President Trump’s potential weekend travel plans hang in the balance, directly tied to the success of a diplomatic effort that could reshape the region’s future.
