Trump: “Is It Secret? I Don’t Know — But We’re Very Close to a Ceasefire”
U.S. President hints at breakthrough in hostage deal as reports emerge of a covert White House meeting involving Qatar, Israel’s Dermer and Witkoff
President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that a ceasefire agreement in Gaza is “very close,” responding to reports of a secret meeting at the White House between Ron Dermer, Steve Witkoff, and a senior Qatari official.
Asked by a reporter about journalist Barak Ravid’s claim that the three met behind closed doors Tuesday to finalize the framework for a truce and hostage release, Trump responded with a touch of irony:
“It’s very possible. We’re getting very close to a deal. I don’t know if it was secret or not — but I don’t care. Secret is fine if it gets us to where we want to go.”
Trump reiterated his position:
“We want peace. We want a ceasefire. We want the hostages back. And I think we’re close.”
Active Talks in Doha
Israeli and Qatari negotiators are currently engaged in high-level talks in Doha, where gaps have reportedly narrowed significantly. Israel has submitted a new proposal focused on IDF force deployment inside Gaza during the ceasefire period, particularly along the Morag Corridor — an area Israel considers strategically essential.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Israel has shown flexibility regarding its presence in the corridor, a move described as a “significant step forward.” Israeli envoys reportedly presented updated maps outlining IDF positions in southern Gaza.
Hamas Seeks Guarantees
Meanwhile, Hamas senior official Taher al-Nono told Al Jazeera that the group is “cooperating with mediators” and is prepared to release 10 hostages as a humanitarian gesture. However, he emphasized that Hamas insists on a full IDF withdrawal and a comprehensive ceasefire.
“The United States holds the key to ending this war — if it chooses to act politically,” al-Nono said.
He added that talks in Doha remain complex, centered around two core demands:
The Sticking Point: Morag Corridor
The Morag Corridor — referred to by some Israeli officials as the “new Philadelphi Route” — remains a major point of contention. Israel views it as a critical buffer zone to separate Hamas fighters from civilians, and plans to set up a humanitarian compound in the area.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted on maintaining control over the corridor, despite Hamas’s calls for a full retreat. The area was recently seized by IDF Division 36, in a move aimed at tightening pressure on Hamas’s Rafah Brigade and gaining control over areas previously untouched.
“The IDF now controls the Morag Corridor,” Netanyahu declared. “This will be the new Philadelphi.”