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United States President Donald Trump said that Washington and the NATO allies were "stepping up pressure" to end the war in Ukraine. The remarks came as Israel
and Hamas agreed to a 20-point peace plan proposed by the US, bringing their two-year war in the Gaza Strip to a halt. "Yeah, we are stepping up the pressure," Trump told reporters at the Oval Office during a meeting with the Finnish President Alexander Stubb, as quoted by AFP. "We're stepping it up together. We're all stepping it up. NATO has been great," the US President was quoted as saying.
Trump Sets Eye On Russia-Ukraine After West Asia Success?
Trump's desire and attempts to make a name for himself as the historic 'peacemaker' were blocked by Russia's fighting in Ukraine and the persistent escalation between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
In almost every other briefing, Trump has claimed that he has ended seven wars, including the May conflict between India and Pakistan – a claim refuted by New Delhi. Now, with a primary plan for ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages approved, Trump seems to be setting his sights on the Russia-Ukraine war.
Trump has been frustrated as his multiple efforts to broker a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv have yielded no results. Trump hosted his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, in Alaska in August. However, highly-talked about meeting failed to achieve a breakthrough.
Israel Cabinet Approves 'Outline' Of Deal
Israel's cabinet on Friday approved the US' plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas. A brief statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the Cabinet approved the "outline" of a deal to release the hostages, without mentioning other aspects of the plan that are more controversial.
The US had earlier announced that Israel and Hamas, fighting for two years, have agreed on the first phase of the Gaza peace plan. The first phase includes a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas attacked Israeli cities on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people. Hamas also took 251 people as hostages, and over 50 of them are still in its captivity. According to the Health Ministry, more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed.
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