Trump and Netanyahu Pursue Ceasefire Amidst Ongoing Gaza Conflict

In their second meeting in two days, Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu discuss prospects for a ceasefire in Gaza.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened for the second consecutive evening on Tuesday to address the escalating conflict in Gaza. This high-profile meeting followed remarks from Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, indicating that only one remaining issue stood between Israel and Hamas in reaching a 60-day ceasefire agreement.

Netanyahu's arrival at the White House was timed shortly after 5 p.m. EST, while the media was not allowed to cover the proceedings. Earlier on the same day, Netanyahu had a meeting with Vice President JD Vance and engaged in a lengthy dinner discussion with Trump the previous evening. This marks Netanyahu's third visit to the U.S. during Trump's second term.

The closed-door meeting lasted about two hours, and afterwards, Netanyahu expressed that while discussions were ongoing, he believed the military operations in Gaza were not yet complete. "We still have to finish the job in Gaza, release all our hostages, eliminate and destroy Hamas' military and government capabilities," he stated.

Witkoff mentioned that progress was being made, citing a reduction from four issues to just one contentious point in the negotiations. He optimistically suggested that a 60-day temporary ceasefire deal, including the release of ten living hostages and nine deceased individuals’ remains, could be finalized this week.

An earlier meeting involving a delegation from Qatar took place before Netanyahu and Trump’s discussions, wherein Qatari officials spent hours engaging with White House representatives. While Trump assured observers that ceasefire talks were progressing positively, Qatar's foreign ministry emphasized that additional time would be required to reach a conclusive agreement.

A Palestinian source, however, expressed skepticism about any significant breakthroughs prior to the Tuesday negotiations. The current round of discussions between Hamas and Israel commenced on October 7, 2023, a day that marked the onset of hostilities, particularly following Hamas's attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and 251 hostages. Israel's reprisal offensive has reportedly led to over 57,500 deaths in Gaza, as reported by the area's Hamas-managed health ministry.

Controversies surrounding the conflict surface as the Israeli defense minister hints at relocating Gaza's populace to a camp in Rafah, while Trump maintains an optimistic outlook on the ongoing ceasefire talks despite the lack of tangible advancements.