Can Trump turn a Gaza ceasefire into a lasting peace deal?

Oct 9, 2025

Tensions in the Middle East rise as Trump hints at a potential Gaza ceasefire after a dramatic note from Marco Rubio. The podcast dissects a phase one deal involving hostage releases and Israeli pullbacks. Trump's unusual approach combines aggression with leverage, raising questions about his effectiveness compared to past leaders. The conversation explores the critical roles of Gulf states in negotiations and the vagueness of the deal. Can this breakthrough boost Trump's Nobel ambitions and reshape U.S. foreign policy?

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ANECDOTE

Rubio's Note Interrupted A White House Event

Marco Rubio handed Donald Trump a note during a White House event announcing they were "very close" to a deal.
An AP photographer captured the note and it referenced approving a Truth Social post to announce the deal first.

INSIGHT

Phase One Focuses On Hostage Exchanges

Phase one of Trump's 20-point plan centers on hostage releases in exchange for Israeli pullback and prisoner releases.
The agreement is a major diplomatic step even if it is limited and lacks full detail.

INSIGHT

Trump Levered A Qatar Strike To Push Netanyahu

Trump used pressure on Netanyahu after a strike on Qatar to push for a ceasefire and concessions.
Forcing an apology on the phone to Qatar's prime minister signalled a turning point in US-Israel leverage.

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There was an extraordinary moment at the White House on Wednesday when, in front of reporters, secretary of state Marco Rubio handed Donald Trump a note that read the words “very close”, followed by a whisper where he told the president that Israel and Hamas were on the brink of reaching a Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Although there are many details of the plan still being worked on, this could potentially be a pivotal moment. Posting on Truth Social, the president said that all Israeli hostages held in Gaza would be released soon in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israel.

In today’s podcast, Sarah and Anthony discuss Donald Trump’s role in the process, how much credit he can personally take, and what it tells us about US foreign policy.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast

This episode was made by George Dabby and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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