'Make deal in Gaza': Trump steps up pressure for ceasefire; urges Hamas to release hostages
US President Donald Trump posted a message late at night, calling upon Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement regarding Gaza, focusing on the return of hostages who were taken on October 7.
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"MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!! DJT," was his message on the Truth Social platform. The post appeared to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalise the ceasefire agreement, which Trump had previously suggested would be signed within a week.
The message was posted several hours after Trump's second appeal to Israeli prosecutors to abandon their case against Netanyahu, stating "he is right now in the process of negotiating a Deal with Hamas, which will include getting the Hostages back."
The US expends billions of dollars annually, surpassing aid to any other nation, in its support and protection of Israel. Trump expressed his disapproval of this situation on Truth Social.
On Saturday, Trump praised Netanyahu as a "War Hero" and suggested the legal case would hinder the prime minister's diplomatic efforts with Iran and Hamas, the Palestinian militant organisation currently in conflict with Israel.
Trump stated, "This travesty of 'Justice' will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations," though he did not specify which Iranian negotiations he meant.
The American president drew parallels between Netanyahu's legal challenges and his own experiences before his second presidential term.
Trump declared, "It is a POLITICAL WITCH HUNT, very similar to the Witch Hunt that I was forced to endure."
A court in Israel declined Netanyahu's appeal on Friday to delay his testimony in the corruption proceedings, stating his justification was insufficient.
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Netanyahu and his spouse Sara face allegations of accepting luxury items valued over $260,000, including cigars, jewellery and champagne, from wealthy individuals in exchange for political benefits.
Additional charges involve Netanyahu allegedly seeking preferential media coverage from two Israeli news organisations.
Netanyahu maintains his innocence and has expressed gratitude to Trump for supporting Israel during its conflict with Iran, which recently reached a ceasefire.
His legal representative requested a two-week exemption from court appearances, citing the prime minister's need to focus on national security matters.
Trump defended Netanyahu on Wednesday, characterising the legal proceedings as a "witch hunt."
During Hamas's October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, 251 people were taken hostage, with 49 believed to remain in Gaza, including 27 whom Israeli forces confirm as deceased.
Discussions continue regarding the return of surviving hostages and casualties' remains, while Israel maintains its military campaign in Gaza.
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