(NewsNation) — A deal to end the war in Gaza and return Israeli hostages is "very close," President Donald Trump told reporters Friday.

"It’s looking like we have a deal on Gaza," he said. "I think it’s a deal that will get the hostages back. It’s going to be a deal that will end the war, it’s going to be a deal— it's going to be peace.”

Trump's announcement came minutes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, telling a diminished crowd of delegates that Hamas could end the war "right now" if it wanted to.

Pressure to end the war has risen globally as a growing faction of nations recognizes a Palestinian state, and Israel continues a ground offensive in Gaza City.

Trump on Thursday vowed to prevent Israel from annexing pa

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