In their second consecutive meeting, Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu discussed critical steps toward a ceasefire in Gaza amid escalating tensions.
Trump and Netanyahu Push for Ceasefire Amidst Gaza Conflict
Trump and Netanyahu Push for Ceasefire Amidst Gaza Conflict
U.S. President and Israeli Prime Minister convene for intensive discussions on potential Gaza ceasefire.
Despite ongoing military confrontations, negotiations are being intensified, with last-minute details under deliberation.
In a high-stakes meeting held on Tuesday evening at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued discussions on achieving a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict. The meeting followed insights from Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who indicated that Israel and Hamas were close to settling their differences over one remaining sticking point for a prospective 60-day ceasefire.
Netanyahu was welcomed at the White House around 5:00 PM EST (9:00 PM GMT), attending a session closed to the press. Prior to this, he had discussions with Vice President JD Vance and enjoyed a lengthy dinner with Trump the previous evening. This marks Netanyahu’s third visit to the U.S. during Trump's second term.
The two leaders engaged for approximately two hours, and Netanyahu also conferred with House Speaker Mike Johnson. Post-meeting, Netanyahu asserted that while the military endeavors in Gaza are incomplete, he acknowledged that ceasefire discussions were in active progress. "We still must complete our objectives in Gaza, including the release of all hostages and dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities," Netanyahu stated.
Witkoff also lent insights, noting the narrowing of issues obstructing an agreement, with just one pivotal matter remaining. He expressed optimism that a deal could be finalized imminently, potentially involving the release of 10 living hostages alongside the bodies of nine deceased individuals.
Earlier discussions featured a Qatari delegation meeting with U.S. officials, as Qatar has played a mediating role in the conflict. Trump expressed optimism about the ceasefire negotiations, stating they were proceeding "very well." However, a Qatari official later emphasized the need for more time to navigate the complex talks, indicating, "I cannot provide a timeline, but we require additional time for this process."
As talks recommenced on Tuesday, reports emerged from Palestinian sources indicating a lack of substantial progress. The current round of negotiations initiated on Sunday, following the outbreak of conflict on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack resulting in significant casualties and captives, with Israel’s counteroffensive leading to overwhelming loss of life in Gaza according to local health officials.
In a high-stakes meeting held on Tuesday evening at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued discussions on achieving a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict. The meeting followed insights from Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who indicated that Israel and Hamas were close to settling their differences over one remaining sticking point for a prospective 60-day ceasefire.
Netanyahu was welcomed at the White House around 5:00 PM EST (9:00 PM GMT), attending a session closed to the press. Prior to this, he had discussions with Vice President JD Vance and enjoyed a lengthy dinner with Trump the previous evening. This marks Netanyahu’s third visit to the U.S. during Trump's second term.
The two leaders engaged for approximately two hours, and Netanyahu also conferred with House Speaker Mike Johnson. Post-meeting, Netanyahu asserted that while the military endeavors in Gaza are incomplete, he acknowledged that ceasefire discussions were in active progress. "We still must complete our objectives in Gaza, including the release of all hostages and dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities," Netanyahu stated.
Witkoff also lent insights, noting the narrowing of issues obstructing an agreement, with just one pivotal matter remaining. He expressed optimism that a deal could be finalized imminently, potentially involving the release of 10 living hostages alongside the bodies of nine deceased individuals.
Earlier discussions featured a Qatari delegation meeting with U.S. officials, as Qatar has played a mediating role in the conflict. Trump expressed optimism about the ceasefire negotiations, stating they were proceeding "very well." However, a Qatari official later emphasized the need for more time to navigate the complex talks, indicating, "I cannot provide a timeline, but we require additional time for this process."
As talks recommenced on Tuesday, reports emerged from Palestinian sources indicating a lack of substantial progress. The current round of negotiations initiated on Sunday, following the outbreak of conflict on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack resulting in significant casualties and captives, with Israel’s counteroffensive leading to overwhelming loss of life in Gaza according to local health officials.
