Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that a ceasefire agreement in Gaza could be reached soon, citing significant progress in ongoing negotiations.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump said that “Hamas is agreeing on very important things,” adding that the talks are moving in a positive direction toward ending hostilities.

He noted that several countries have welcomed the Gaza peace initiative, and that he has recently spoken with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Jordan’s King Abdullah II regarding the process.

President Trump clarified that he had not advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to change his stance on the hostage deal.

During his remarks, Trump also reiterated his belief that trade and tariff negotiations have played a crucial role in preventing conflicts, claiming that such policies helped avert seven wars, including a potential conflict between Pakistan and India, where, according to him, “seven fighter jets were shot down.”

Trump further stated that following the deployment of federal forces, Washington, D.C., has become a peaceful city once again.