Trump, Netanyahu Hold Second Meeting on Gaza Ceasefire Deal as Hope for Agreement Grows
Trump, Netanyahu Discuss Gaza Ceasefire in Second White House Meeting
WASHINGTON / TEL AVIV:
Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a second round of talks on Tuesday in Washington, intensifying discussions over a potential ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The latest meeting, held behind closed doors at the White House’s Oval Office, lasted just over an hour.
This marked the second encounter between the two leaders in as many days. On Monday, they met for several hours during a formal dinner at the White House, part of Netanyahu’s third U.S. visit since Trump began his second term in office on January 20.
As the Gaza war enters its 22nd month, efforts for a truce appear to be gaining traction. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, told reporters that the list of obstacles between Israel and Hamas had narrowed significantly—from four to just one. He expressed optimism that a 60-day ceasefire could be agreed upon by the end of this week.
“We are hopeful that by week’s end, we’ll finalize a deal,” Witkoff said, detailing that the agreement would involve the release of 10 live hostages and nine deceased captives.
Sources cited by Axios confirmed that senior officials from Qatar, a key mediator hosting indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, met with White House officials for several hours before Netanyahu’s visit on Tuesday.
Though the White House declined to comment officially, the discussions signal a breakthrough may be within reach.
Netanyahu: ‘Still Work to Do’
After meetings with Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson, Netanyahu told reporters that while progress has been made, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza is far from over.
“We still have to finish the job in Gaza—free all our hostages, and eliminate Hamas’ military and government capabilities,” Netanyahu said outside the U.S. Capitol.
Netanyahu is scheduled to return to Capitol Hill on Wednesday for meetings with U.S. Senate leaders.
Trump-Netanyahu Relations Strengthen
Netanyahu praised Trump for his unwavering support, saying, “There has never been closer coordination between Israel and the United States in our history.”
Trump, for his part, has previously defended Netanyahu amid his ongoing corruption trial, calling the prosecution politically motivated. Netanyahu faces bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges, which he denies.
Israel Targets Senior Hezbollah Leader
Amid the Gaza discussions, tensions have escalated on another front. The Israeli military announced the killing of Hussein Ali Muzhir, a senior Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon, in a targeted airstrike. Muzhir was reportedly involved in orchestrating attacks against Israeli forces and reviving Hezbollah’s artillery network in the region.
Gaza Toll Continues to Climb
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported that over 105 people were killed and 530 injured in Israeli attacks in the past 24 hours alone. This includes seven civilians seeking humanitarian aid.
Since October 7, 2023, at least 57,680 Palestinians have been killed, and 137,409 injured, according to ministry records. Over 14,000 people remain missing and are presumed dead beneath the rubble.
Global Legal Scrutiny on Israel
International legal pressure is mounting on Israel. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The proposed ceasefire deal reportedly includes a temporary pause in hostilities, a significant increase in humanitarian aid, and renewed talks over a long-term resolution and hostage releases.
