The White House rejects the annexation of the West Bank.. and Trump: We are close to a Gaza agreement "and perhaps peace"

In a decisive statement, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his firm rejection of potential Israeli steps to annex the West Bank during a press conference held on Thursday from the Oval Office.

Trump's statement came in response to hints from some members of the Israeli government that are seen as potentially "destroying any prospects for a two-state solution." Trump told reporters: "I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank."

In a related context, Trump revealed progress in diplomatic efforts regarding Gaza, stating: "I spoke with Netanyahu today, and spoke with all the leaders in the Middle East... we are very close to reaching an agreement regarding Gaza and perhaps even to peace."

These statements come a day after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff revealed on Wednesday that Washington offered a "21-point peace plan for the Middle East" during United Nations meetings this week. Witkoff expressed hope for "progress regarding Gaza in the coming days."

Witkoff confirmed that the U.S. president presented proposals to officials from several Arab and Islamic countries during a meeting on the sidelines of the General Assembly last Monday, aimed at "peace in the Middle East." He noted that the plan "addresses Israeli concerns, as well as the concerns of all neighbors in the region."

The U.S. envoy expressed cautious optimism, saying: "We are optimistic, in fact confident, that we will be able in the coming days to announce a breakthrough in some way."

It is worth noting that these diplomatic developments come at a time when Israel is facing "global condemnation for its war in Gaza" with no prospect of a ceasefire. The war has resulted, according to UN estimates, in the deaths of "more than 65,000 Palestinians" and widespread destruction in the besieged enclave, where a global hunger monitoring observatory has stated that part of it "is suffering from famine due to the Israeli blockade."