On the evening of September 26 (local time), US President Donald Trump said that negotiations to end the conflict in Gaza are taking place "honestly but effectively" and "will continue until necessary".
This is the result of meetings between leaders of Arab countries and Mr. Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss the territory that is struggling with hunger.
The tense negotiations have been going on for the past four days and will continue until a completion agreement is reached, Trump wrote on Truth Social, calling the exchanges very exciting and effective.
According to him, Hamas is currently clearly informed of the discussion, while Israel, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has also been informed at all levels.
Mr. Trump emphasized that he had never felt so much goodwill and enthusiasm to reach a deal, after decades, and that the deal must bring permanent and lasting peace.
Although he did not provide details, Mr. Trump repeatedly affirmed that Hamas must return all Israeli hostages still held in Gaza under any agreement.
Previously, negotiations were repeatedly stalled as the two sides accused each other of breaking commitments or changing terms.
In his speech at the United Nations on September 26, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israel will continue the military campaign until Hamas is disarmed and all hostages are released, and stressed that Israel must maintain control of security in Gaza.
Previously, on September 22, US special ambassador Steve Witkoff said that Mr. Trump had made proposals to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt in New York.
United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed also called for an early end to the war, a sustained ceasefire, and a reaffirmation of support for the two-state solution.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 65,000 people have died in the past 23 months, about 90% of the population has been forced to flee their homes and many areas have been flattened. The Borderless Doctors Organization announced on September 26 that it had to stop operations in Gaza City because the clinics were surrounded by the Israeli army.
In the latest developments, on September 27, at least 40 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes and fighting, including 23 in Gaza City.
