Trump says Gaza deal is very close US envoys head to Egypt for talks
Inside Pakistan News Desk | Islamabad | October 8, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is optimistic a Gaza agreement can be reached soon, calling the negotiations the “most promising” yet since the war began two years ago. Washington has also signaled it could back security guarantees to help the parties implement any accord, though details were not disclosed.

Speaking to reporters at the White House after meeting visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump said he believed a deal covering remaining hostages and broader Gaza arrangements was close. A U.S. official said special envoy Steve Witkoff and former Middle East envoy Jared Kushner were traveling to Egypt to join talks.

Why it matters

• Since Oct. 7, 2023, Gaza’s toll has soared past 67,000 Palestinians killed (about one-third children), with many more missing under rubble; nearly the entire 2.1 million population has been displaced amid the destruction of homes, schools and hospitals, and only a fraction of health facilities remain partially functional. Famine conditions have been officially confirmed (IPC Phase 5) in parts of Gaza, with acute hunger and malnutrition deaths documented. These figures come from Palestinian health authorities and UN assessments, widely cited by Reuters and humanitarian agencies.
• Security guarantees: Trump pledged the U.S. would “do everything possible” to ensure compliance with any deal, without specifying the mechanism—raising questions about what enforcement or monitoring role Washington might play.
• Regional stakes: A workable ceasefire–hostage arrangement could ease regional tensions and open a path to sustained humanitarian access and reconstruction planning.

What we know so far

• Trump said he sees a “possibility” for broader Middle East peace beyond Gaza if a deal lands.
• U.S. envoys are joining Egyptian-hosted negotiations, a venue that has repeatedly facilitated shuttle diplomacy throughout the conflict.
• Washington has not yet detailed what form its proposed security guarantees would take.

The bigger picture for Pakistan

Pakistan has consistently called for a ceasefire and a just resolution for Palestinians. Movement toward a durable agreement could lower regional volatility, support humanitarian relief operations Pakistan backs, and stabilize global commodity and shipping routes that influence local prices.

Source: (Reuters)