Trump hints at 'something special' in Middle East talks

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Sunday hinted at a breakthrough in the Middle East crisis, saying all are on board for something special, o...

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Sunday hinted at a breakthrough in the Middle East crisis, saying "all are on board for something special," on the eve of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the White House.

"We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. "ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!"

Earlier Friday, Trump had told reporters in Washington "I think we have a deal" on Gaza. "I think it's a deal that will get the hostages back, I think it's a deal that will end the war."

Netanyahu's meeting with Trump at the White House on Monday comes days after the US president unveiled a 21-point plan aimed at ending the war in the Palestinian territory during discussions with Arab and Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

And it is happening as international isolation of Israel deepens with countries including Britain, France, Canada and Australia officially recognizing Palestinian statehood, breaking with longstanding US-led diplomatic protocols.