The two politicians also discussed a possible resettlement of Palestinians."I think we are close to finding several countries," Netanyahu said.

The US president is"forging peace at this moment, one country, one region at a time," Netanyahu said, praising Trump's"pursuit of peace and security." "Wow," Trump replied."Coming from you, that's very meaningful." The US is Israel's most important ally.

The Nobel Prize nominees in Stockholm and Oslo traditionally keep their names secret for 50 years. However, it does happen from time to time that nominees voluntarily reveal who they recommend as a candidate for one of the prizes. This year's Nobel Peace Prize winner will be announced on October 10.

Trump believes in agreement between Israel and Hamas

The US President expressed confidence that an agreement between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire and the release of hostages would be reached."They want to meet, and they want this ceasefire." He was asked by journalists present whether unconfirmed reports of an incident in northern Gaza involving Israeli casualties would affect the ongoing mediation talks."I don't think so," Trump said.

According to the White House, his special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will travel again this week to the Qatari capital, Doha, to participate in indirect talks on a deal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt did not specify a date. According to the Times of Israel, Witkoff is leaving today."We have a chance to finally reach a peace agreement," Witkoff said.

The Times of Israel learned from diplomatic sources that Trump wants to reach a ceasefire deal by the end of this week. The White House spokeswoman praised Qatar and Egypt as"incredibly helpful partners in facilitating these negotiations and talks to bring peace to this region and end this conflict once and for all." He believes "that under President Trump's leadership, we can achieve peace between us and the entire Middle East," said Israel's prime minister.

Netanyahu: We are not committing suicide

Trump let his Israeli guest answer journalists' questions about whether a two-state solution was possible. While the Palestinians should be able to govern themselves, security"will always remain in our hands," Netanyahu emphasized."We are not committing suicide," the prime minister added. A two-state solution refers to an independent Palestinian state living peacefully side by side with Israel.

Israel and the US are"close to finding several countries" that would accept Palestinians who wish to leave the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, Netanyahu said."I think President Trump had a brilliant vision. That's called free choice. If people want to stay, they can stay; but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave."

At the beginning of February, Trump declared that the US could take over the Gaza Strip, level the war-torn territory, rebuild it, and transform it into a"Middle Eastern Riviera." This would require the resettlement of the more than two million Palestinians. Israeli government officials have repeatedly announced in the past that they would promote the"voluntary" emigration of a significant portion of the just over two million residents of the sealed-off coastal strip.

Israel plans reception camps for hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents

According to media reports, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has already ordered the planning of a massive reception center for 600,000 war-displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza. This is intended to weaken the power of Hamas. Katz referred to it as a"humanitarian city" on the ruins of the city of Rafah, which was destroyed in the Gaza war.

The new camp is to be built during the 60-day ceasefire currently being negotiated indirectly between Israel and Hamas in Doha. It will be administered by"international partners." The Israeli military will secure the perimeter. The camp will also serve to implement the emigration plan for the Palestinians."Because it will come," the media quoted the minister as saying. So far, however, not a single country in the world has agreed to accept a significant number of Palestinians from Gaza.

More radical forces in Israel, including some right-wing extremist ministers in Netanyahu's right-wing religious government, are openly talking about forced deportations of the Gaza population and the establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza. Experts say forced relocation would violate international law.

US talks with Iran

Trump also announced talks between his administration and Iran. According to US special envoy Steve Witkoff, these could possibly take place next week. Trump suggested lifting sanctions against Iran at a later date.