By David Rosenberg, World Israel News
President Donald Trump and his top Middle East envoy both signalled over the weekend that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas could be achieved in the near future, despite warnings recently by Qatari mediators that talks are on the verge of collapse.
Trump briefly spoke with reporters before boarding Air Force One Sunday evening, after attending the FIFA World Cup in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
When asked about the prospects for a breakthrough in the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal talks in Doha, Qatar, Trump said he was hopeful the impasse would be “straightened out” by the end of the week.
“Gaza – we are talking and hopefully we are going to get that straightened out over the next week. Let’s see what happens,” Trump said.
White House special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff also voiced optimism regarding the talks in Doha.
Speaking with reporters ahead of the FIFA World Cup match in New Jersey, Witkoff said he would be speaking with Qatari mediators on the sidelines of the game Sunday afternoon.
Witkoff added that he is “hopeful” that a deal can be reached between the two sides.
The 68-year-old envoy spoke with Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and a major force in crafting Mideast policy during the first Trump administration, on the tarmac on Sunday.
The White House special envoy had been slated last week to travel to Doha in a bid to advance negotiations, but his visit was delayed amid warnings from Qatar that the talks were on the verge of collapse.
