On Friday, US President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the latter’s negative reaction to Hamas agreeing to free hostages under a US-proposed prisoner swap. According to Axios sources, their heated phone call revealed starkly different perspectives on the Gaza peace efforts. While Trump saw the move as a significant breakthrough, Netanyahu was less convinced, stating that the agreement didn’t signify any real progress. Trump reportedly responded by telling Netanyahu, ‘I don’t know why you’re always so f***ing negative. This is a win. Take it.’
Despite the tension, Netanyahu’s aides later emphasized that the leaders were ‘totally aligned,’ though the call was described as ‘contentious,’ with Trump appearing ‘annoyed.’ The US President has also called on Israel to stop launching strikes in Gaza and proposed that Hamas release all remaining hostages within 72 hours of Israel suspending military operations and withdrawing its troops ‘to the agreed-upon line.’ West Jerusalem has agreed to the prisoner swap but has not officially addressed Trump’s call for Israel to halt its strikes in the territory. Indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas are set to start in Egypt on Monday.