President Trump said a deal to end the war in Gaza was "very close" during a press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.

The big picture: Trump had hoped to announce a final agreement on Monday. He said Netanyahu had agreed to the plan but it still needed the approval of Hamas. • "If Hamas rejects the deal, Bibi you will have our full backing to do what you have to do," Trump said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.

Behind the scenes: Both Israel and Arab countries have been seeking changes to the text over the last several days, with issues like the demilitarization of Hamas and the involvement of the Palestinian Authority in the future governance of Gaza as sticking points. • An updated peace plan released by the White House on Monday mentio

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