Trump Urges Israel to End Gaza War, Eyes Abraham Accords Expansion

President Donald Trump is turning up the heat on Israel to wrap up its 20-month war in Gaza, aiming to secure a hostage deal and pave the way for a broader Middle East peace through an expansion of the Abraham Accords. In a late-night Truth Social post, Trump urged, "Make the deal in Gaza. Get the hostages back!!!" His push comes as Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer heads to Washington for White House talks, signaling alignment between the U.S. and Israel before indirect negotiations resume.

Israel insists Hamas is the main obstacle to freeing the remaining 50 hostages, including 49 seized during the October 7, 2023, attack and one held since 2014. Tragically, 27 hostages are believed dead, including Americans Itay Chen and Omer Neutra. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed doubts about the fate of others, complicating talks.

Mediators are pressing Israel to send negotiators to Egypt, but Netanyahu has resisted, opting instead for Dermer’s U.S. visit. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to a ceasefire and hostage deal, citing acceptance of a recent proposal by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Hamas rejected it, demanding a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Ending the conflict is key to Trump’s vision of expanding the Abraham Accords, a diplomatic triumph from his first term. Sa’ar echoed this ambition, noting opportunities to include nations like Syria and Lebanon, while prioritizing Israel’s security. However, countries like Saudi Arabia have tied normalization to resolving the Palestinian crisis.

Trump remains optimistic, hinting at new countries joining the accords. In a recent interview, he told Maria Bartiromo, "We have some really great countries in there right now, and I think we’re going to start loading them up." As Witkoff prepares for Cairo talks, the stakes are high for both peace and Trump’s legacy.