Netanyahu-Trump Discuss Gaza Ceasefire & Hostage Deal

(The Post News)- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The visit occurs amid growing hopes for a Gaza ceasefire announcement, nearly two years after the war began. President Trump has asserted that he has been “very firm” with Netanyahu regarding ending the conflict and expressed optimism for a deal this week, stating that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions for a 60-day truce. Netanyahu believes his discussions with Trump can significantly advance this outcome.

Indirect talks on a US-sponsored ceasefire and hostage release deal resumed in Qatar. The current proposal reportedly outlines Hamas releasing 28 hostages 10 alive, 18 dead in stages over 60 days, alongside a significant increase in humanitarian aid. Israeli forces would withdraw from parts of northern Gaza on the first day of the agreement, and from parts of the south after one week. While Hamas has provided a “positive” initial response, reservations persist, notably concerning the specifics of humanitarian aid distribution, the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawals, and the operation of the Rafah crossing. Hamas insists on a clear commitment for negotiations to lead to a permanent end to the war, a demand Israel has rejected. Netanyahu’s office has termed Hamas’s requested changes “not acceptable.”

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli airstrikes since October 7, 2023, with a majority being women and children. Reports indicate widespread malnutrition among children and critical fuel shortages impacting essential services. The UN has warned that the absence of fuel for over four months threatens to halt vital medical care, water supplies, and telecommunications. Hundreds of Palestinians have also been killed or injured while attempting to access or distribute food, including incidents at aid distribution points. Over 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population remains displaced, often multiple times.

On the Israeli side, there is increasing public pressure for a ceasefire to bring home the hostages. Large rallies have been held by families urging a comprehensive agreement that would secure the release of all captives. Polls indicate that two-thirds of Israelis support a ceasefire deal. The recent deaths of over 20 Israeli soldiers in Gaza in the past month have also fueled calls for an end to the conflict.

The Trump-Netanyahu meeting also aims to align US and Israeli policy on Iran, including potential negotiations on a new nuclear deal. Netanyahu views recent military successes against Iran as bolstering his leverage in peace talks. Trump is keen to progress on other Middle East priorities, including brokering border talks between Israel and Syria and normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Observers suggest the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran may have created more favorable circumstances to conclude the Gaza war.