Trump Calls for End to Gaza War, Urges Netanyahu to Establish Peace in Gaza

Trump Calls for End to Gaza War, Urges Netanyahu to Establish Peace in Gaza

Washington, April 8 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he wants the Gaza war to end and believes it will come to an end soon. He made these remarks after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

When asked about his electoral promise regarding the Gaza war, Trump said, "I want the war to stop, and I think it will stop at some point, not far in the future."

Israel began the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led fighters launched an attack in southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages being taken. Since then, over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to local health authorities.

Trump mentioned that efforts are underway to free the hostages held by Hamas, but he noted that their release is a "long process."

Netanyahu said that Israel is working on a new deal that is expected to succeed. He further stated, "We are committed to freeing all the hostages, but Hamas's unjust rule must also come to an end, and the people of Gaza must be given the opportunity to determine their future freely."

Netanyahu discussed Trump’s "strong vision" regarding Gaza's future, where he proposed bringing the Gaza coastline under U.S. control. Trump also mentioned, "It would have been good if the U.S. had sent a peacekeeping force to take control of the Gaza Strip." He reiterated that Palestinians from Gaza could relocate to other countries.