ISLAMABAD (PEN) : U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House next Monday, with hopes to clinch a Gaza ceasefire by week’s end. Trump emphasised that he plans to “be very firm” with Netanyahu regarding the urgency of the ceasefire, noting that the Israeli leader shares this goal.
High-Level Talks Ahead
A senior Israeli delegation, led by Ron Dermer, has been in Washington ahead of the meeting, engaging with U.S. officials including special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President J.D. Vance.
Trump highlighted the broad agenda, stating, “We hope it’s going to happen. And we’re looking forward to it happening sometime next week. We want to get the hostages out.” He recalled their joint effort against Iran’s nuclear sites in June, asserting the operation “obliterated” Tehran’s nuclear capabilities, although assessments differ on the extent of the impact.
Key Obstacles: Hostages and Dismantling Hamas
Trump expressed optimism for a “ceasefire-for-hostages agreement” with Hamas, which Israel holds as a condition. While Hamas reportedly is prepared to release remaining hostages under a ceasefire, Israel insists that any resolution must also involve Hamas’s disarmament—a demand Hamas has so far refused.
Conflict Toll and International Accusations
The Gaza conflict, sparked by the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas killing approximately 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages, has significantly escalated. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 56,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing Israeli military campaign—a humanitarian disaster that has led to accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and war crimes charges at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies these allegations.
As both leaders prepare to sit down next week, international attention remains focused on the potential for a breakthrough ceasefire that prioritises hostage release and seeks to bring an end to the escalating humanitarian crisis.
