White House says 'very close' to deal on Gaza

Press Secretary Karoline says a “fair” deal may not make either side fully happy

US and Israeli flags and a lectern set up in the State Dining Room at the White House before a joint press conference of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Washington, DC, US, Sept 29, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas are "very close" to reaching agreement on a framework deal to end the war in Gaza and ensure lasting peace in the Middle East, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday.

Leavitt, speaking on Fox News' "Fox and Friends" programme, said President Donald Trump would discuss a 21-point peace plan with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House later on Monday. Trump will speak to leaders in Qatar, who have served as intermediaries with Hamas, on Monday, she said.

"To reach a reasonable deal for both sides, both sides have to give up a little bit and might leave the table a little bit unhappy, but that is ultimately how we are going to end this conflict," she said.