US President Donald Trump has denied reports that he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop being so “f***ing negative” and “take the win” after Hamas agreed to parts of Washington’s proposal to end the ongoing war in Gaza.
“No, it’s not true. He’s been very positive. He’s been very positive on the deal,” the US president said of the Israeli premier.
Trump has often refrained from publicly denouncing Netanyahu, despite growing reports of his frustration with the Israeli PM. This tension came to light during a heated telephonic conversation last week, as reported by Axios, where the US president reacted angrily after Netanyahu dismissed Hamas’ ambivalent response to a US peace proposal, saying it was “nothing to celebrate.”
Story continues below this ad
Earlier, American news website Axios, quoting a US official, had reported that Trump told Netanyahu over the phone call: “I don’t know why you’re always so f***ing negative. This is a win. Take it.”
Trump says Hamas ‘agreeing to things’ in ceasefire talks
Trump has been apprised about the ongoing ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in Egypt to pause the Gaza war that has been continuing for the past two years. He said that the militant group has been making some important concessions during the negotiations in Egypt over his 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan.
On being asked about Hamas’ response to his Gaza ceasefire plan, Trump said, “I think Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important.”
Asked whether he has any red lines for the Palestinian militant group in the latest round of negotiations that began on Monday, the US president said, “Well, if certain things aren’t met, we’re not going to do it, but I think we’re doing very well”.
Story continues below this ad
The talks being held in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh between Hamas and mediators will continue on Tuesday “amid a positive atmosphere”, reported Egypt’s state-affiliated Al Qahera News. Israeli and Hamas’ negotiators began indirect talks in Egypt on Monday over the 20-point US-proposed plan to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
