Trump and Netanyahu Upbeat About Gaza Ceasefire

US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House for crucial discussions regarding the ongoing Gaza conflict. The meeting aimed to advance indirect negotiations with Hamas for a US-brokered ceasefire.

Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon, stating, “I think there’s a good chance we have a deal with Hamas… during the coming week.” Netanyahu’s visit follows Trump’s prediction that such a deal could be reached this week.

During their private dinner meeting at the White House Blue Room, Netanyahu suggested that the United States and Israel were working with other countries to provide a “better future” for Gazans, hinting at the possibility of Palestinians moving to neighboring nations.

“If people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave,” Netanyahu said. Trump floated relocating Palestinians and taking over the Gaza Strip earlier this year, envisioning it as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” However, Gazans criticized the proposal, and human rights groups condemned it as ethnic cleansing.

The US-backed proposal under discussion includes a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza, and discussions on ending the war entirely.

Hamas has long demanded a final end to the war before freeing remaining hostages, while Israel insists it will not agree to halt fighting until all hostages are released and Hamas is dismantled. Trump said he would be “very firm” with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza deal, and Netanyahu also wants to end the war.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with at least 57,523 people killed and 136,617 wounded, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The conflict has created a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of displaced residents awaiting news of relief. Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said a meeting between the US and Iran would take place in the next week or so, and Trump expressed willingness to lift sanctions on Iran at the right time.

“We’ve had great cooperation from… surrounding countries, great cooperation from every single one of them. So something good will happen,” Trump said, indicating progress on the proposal to relocate Palestinians.

Netanyahu gave Trump a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize, which Trump appreciated. As the situation remains volatile, these high-level meetings signal a concerted effort by the US to mediate peace and stabilize the region amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.