Netanyahu Concludes U.S. Visit Without Securing Gaza Truce

After a series of discussions in Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel on Friday without reaching a truce agreement with Hamas in Gaza. Despite meeting with key American officials, including President Trump, critical issues remain unresolved, jeopardizing potential peace efforts.

The immediate fate of the conflict in Gaza is uncertain as mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar continue to grapple with several points of contention, including the length of any proposed cease-fire, the conditions surrounding an Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas, and the distribution of humanitarian aid during a truce. Before leaving Washington, Netanyahu shared his vision for a temporary two-month cease-fire in exchange for the release of half of the approximately 50 hostages held by Hamas. However, he fell short of addressing Hamas's demand for a guarantee that such a truce would pave the way for a permanent resolution.

Netanyahu reiterated Israel's position that any negotiations for an end to the conflict are contingent upon Hamas disarming and yielding its military capabilities, which is a demand likely to face strong resistance from Hamas leaders. A senior Hamas official, Basem Naim, expressed outright rejection of disarmament as a negotiation precondition, stating that such terms "would never be part of the discussions."

As regional tensions continue to escalate, the prospects for a lasting truce remain dim, casting a shadow over hopes for peace in the region.