Tel Aviv (TDI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism that his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump could help move forward efforts for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of hostages.
His remarks came just before departing for Washington on Sunday, as Israeli negotiators resumed talks in Qatar.
According to Netanyahu, the delegation heading to Qatar is working under clear instructions to secure a ceasefire deal based on terms Israel has already accepted. “I believe that discussions with President Trump will significantly contribute to advancing these efforts,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to bringing the remaining hostages home and eliminating the threat posed by Hamas.
This marks Netanyahu’s third visit to the White House since Trump returned to office nearly six months ago.
Read More: Hamas Ready for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire Talks
In recent weeks, domestic pressure on Netanyahu has intensified, with growing calls for a long-term truce to end the Gaza conflict. While hardliners within his right-wing coalition remain opposed to such a move, some senior figures such as Foreign Minister Gideon Saar have voiced support.
On the Palestinian side, Hamas responded last Friday to a US-backed ceasefire proposal, describing its reply as being made in a “positive spirit.” This came days after President Trump claimed that Israel had agreed to the key terms of a proposed 60-day truce.
Still, obstacles remain. A Palestinian official from a Hamas-aligned faction noted ongoing concerns, including insufficient humanitarian aid, issues surrounding passage through the Rafah crossing to Egypt, and a lack of clarity regarding Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza, according to Reuters.
Read More: Trump Expects Hamas Decision in 24 Hours on Gaza Ceasefire
Netanyahu’s office issued a statement rejecting certain amendments proposed by Hamas as unacceptable. Nonetheless, the Israeli delegation proceeded with its planned trip to Qatar, reaffirming its aim of securing hostage releases under the existing framework agreed upon with Qatari mediation.
Netanyahu also indicated that his meeting with Trump would address broader regional security issues, including last month’s brief but intense air conflict with Iran. He reiterated his goal of preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons and spoke of a new opportunity to expand peace in the region.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
