'Intense negotiations ongoing': Trump hails ‘productive’ Gaza talks; reports cite hostages-for-prisoners deal

US President Donald Trump said Friday that negotiations on Gaza were “very inspired and productive,” while reports emerged that his administration has tabled a detailed proposal calling for the release of hostages and withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Strip.“I am pleased to report that we are having very inspired and productive discussions with the Middle Eastern Community concerning Gaza,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Intense negotiations have been going on for four days, and will continue for as long as necessary in order to get a Successfully Completed Agreement.”He said “all of the Countries within the Region are involved,” adding that Hamas was aware of the discussions and that Israel had been kept informed “at all levels, including Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.” Trump also claimed there was more “Goodwill and Enthusiasm for getting a Deal done, after so many decades, than I have ever seen before,” calling the talks an effort to move past a “period of Death and Darkness.” He concluded: “We must get the Hostages back, and get a PERMANENT AND LONGLASTING PEACE!”The comments came as CNN reported that the Trump administration has circulated a 21-point peace plan.

According to a source familiar with the proposal, the plan calls for the release of the 48 remaining hostages within two days of an agreement, in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces from Gaza. The timeline for withdrawal was not specified, and it was unclear whether Hamas had been formally presented with the proposal.The proposal reportedly states that Hamas cannot play any governing role in Gaza.

Instead, two interim layers of governance are suggested: an international body and a Palestinian committee. Arab leaders were briefed earlier this week and expressed broad support, telling CNN they did not see the plan as perfect but wanted “an end to the conflict as quickly as possible.”Saudi broadcaster Al-Hadath reported additional provisions, including amnesty for Hamas members in exchange for leaving Gaza and surrendering weapons.

It said Israel would free between 100 and 200 Palestinian prisoners in return for the hostages. The plan also outlines a five-year international reconstruction initiative for Gaza and the creation of a Palestinian security force under Arab and international oversight.Both CNN and Al-Hadath noted that the plan may be undergoing revisions. One reported element under review by Qatari officials would prohibit Israel from striking Qatar in the future.

Other details cited include a ban on forced displacement of Palestinians and the possible closure of the Gaza Humanitarian Fund.Earlier on Friday, Trump had told reporters before departing for the Ryder Cup golf tournament in New York that a ceasefire-hostage agreement was “very close.” Netanyahu, however, told the UN General Assembly the same day that Israel would continue military operations until Hamas disarms.