Washington D.C. – United States President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that he is close to securing a peace plan to end the war in Gaza after holding talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
The plan, which Hamas has yet to accept, calls for the release of hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and the demilitarization of Gaza. Trump said the proposal would also establish a civilian administration in Gaza that would not be controlled by either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
Standing alongside Trump, Netanyahu said the deal fulfils Israel’s war objectives. He listed five conditions, including the return of hostages, the dismantling of Hamas’ military capabilities, Israeli security responsibility with a perimeter around Gaza, and the creation of a new administration for the territory.
However, questions remain over whether the conditions fully align with Israel’s declared war goals. Earlier this year, Israel’s cabinet had rejected any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s future governance, yet Trump’s 20-point proposal envisions a reformed authority playing a part. The document also recognizes Palestinian aspirations for statehood, a position Netanyahu recently dismissed as “madness” at the United Nations.
The US plan further suggests Israeli withdrawal from Gaza with authority handed over to an international security force, a detail that contrasts with Netanyahu’s insistence on a continued Israeli security perimeter.
While the negotiations unfold, Washington faces a looming domestic crisis. Congress has less than 48 hours to pass a spending bill to avoid a federal government shutdown. The Social Security Administration confirmed that monthly payments to pensioners, persons with disabilities, and other beneficiaries would continue even during a shutdown. New applications and fraud prevention would also remain active, although some services, such as Medicare card replacements and verification of benefits, could be delayed.
The Department of Labor has also warned that the shutdown would halt economic reporting, including the Consumer Price Index scheduled for release on October 15, which is used to calculate the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security recipients.
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