Trump says ‘real chance’ to end Gaza war, Hamas seeks US guarantees

US President Donald Trump voiced optimism that there was a “real chance” to end the war in Gaza, as Israel remembered victims of the October 7 attacks two years ago on Tuesday.

In his message marking the anniversary, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to achieve all the goals of the war, including crushing the Palestinian militant group Hamas which waged the attacks.

“We are in fateful, decisive days. We will continue to act to achieve all the war’s objectives: the return of all abductees, the elimination of Hamas’ rule, and ensuring that Gaza will never again pose a threat to Israel,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

Indirect negotiations between Israeli and Hamas negotiators are being held in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, based on a 20-point plan proposed by Trump to end the war.

“There’s a real chance that we could do something,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, adding that US negotiators were also involved in the talks.

“I think there’s a possibility that we could have peace in the Middle East.”