WASHINGTON (TNND) — As negotiations continue to end the war in Gaza, President Donald Trump said he is thinking about traveling to the Middle East.

I may go there sometime toward the end of the week. Maybe on Sunday, actually, and we'll see. But there's a very good chance that negotiations are going along very well. We're dealing with Hamas," Trump said during an unrelated roundtable event at the White House on Wednesday afternoon.

We have a great team over there -- great negotiators -- and there are, unfortunately, great negotiators on the other side also," the president added. "But it's something I think that will happen. Got a good chance of happening."

Amid the discussion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio walked into the room. He handed Trump a handwritten note, asking about the wording of a Truth Social post, and whispered into the president's ear.

I was just given a note by the secretary of state, saying that we're very close to a deal in the Middle East and they're going to need me pretty quickly," Trump said before taking a few more questions.

The note, according to The Associated Press, said the following:

“You need to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first."

Earlier on Wednesday, the United States' top Middle East adviser, the prime minister of Qatar, as well as other senior officials, joined the third day of peace talks between Israel and Hamas in an Egyptian resort, a sign that negotiators aim to dive deeply into the toughest issues of an American plan to stop the conflict.

Hamas said it's seeking firm guarantees from mediators that Israel won't resume its military campaign in the Palestinian territory after the terrorist group releases all the remaining hostages.

All sides have expressed optimism for a deal to end the two-year war that has left upwards of 65,000 people dead and most of the Gaza Strip destroyed.

But key parts of the peace plan still haven't been agreed to, including a requirement that Hamas disarm, the timing and extent of an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, and the creation of an international body to run the territory after Hamas steps down.

Israel Defense Forces (IFD), meanwhile, said the nation is still under attack.

In the past hour, four UAVs were launched from Yemen, and rockets were fired from Gaza earlier today, a reminder that our fight for safety and peace continues," Israel's army wrote on X on the two-year anniversary, adding that more than 1,200 people were killed on Oct. 7, 2023, including 292 soldiers.

While 251 people were taken as hostages, 48 remain in captivity.

During the weekend, Trump said Israel agreed to an "initial withdrawal line" in Gaza, also noting that a ceasefire and hostage exchange will be underway as soon as Hamas confirms the plan.

After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas,” Trump posted on Truth Social late Saturday afternoon.

When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal, which will bring us close to the end of this 3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE," he added.

Earlier in the day, Israel's army announced plans to start the first phase of Trump's plan to end the ongoing conflict.

In accordance with the directives from the political echelon, the Chief of the General Staff instructed to advance readiness for the implementation of the first phase of the Trump plan for the release of the hostages. At the same time, it was emphasized that the safety of IDF troops is a top priority and that all IDF capabilities will be allocated to the Southern Command to ensure the protection of the troops," IDF wrote on X early Saturday morning.

The Chief of Staff noted that, given the operational sensitivity, all troops must maintain high alertness and vigilance, in addition to reinforcing the need for a rapid response to neutralize any threat," according to the post.

The new developments come after Hamas said it agreed to some elements of Trump's 20-point plan, with Trump then ordering Israel to stop bombing the Gaza Strip.

Trump urged Hamas to take action as soon as possible -- "or else all bets will be off."

I appreciate that Israel has temporarily stopped the bombing in order to give the Hostage release and Peace Deal a chance to be completed," he wrote on Truth Social Saturday. "Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off. I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen, or any outcome where Gaza poses a threat again. Let’s get this done, FAST. Everyone will be treated fairly!

_______________

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.