Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

In a series of meetings, Trump and Netanyahu aim to address key issues remaining between Israel and Hamas as violence continues.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met for a second time on Tuesday to negotiate a ceasefire amidst the escalating war in Gaza. This meeting follows comments from Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, indicating that only one key issue remains in reaching a potential 60-day ceasefire agreement.

Netanyahu arrived at the White House shortly after 5 PM EST, indicating the continued high-level engagement between the two leaders. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu met with Vice President JD Vance, and the discussions with Trump on Monday lasted for several hours over dinner. This marks Netanyahu's third official visit to the U.S. during Trump’s second term.

Following a two-hour meeting with Trump, Netanyahu expressed that while negotiations for a ceasefire are ongoing, he does not believe that Israel's military operations are 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 highlighted positive signs in negotiations, reporting that the discussions between Israel and Hamas have progressed from four points of contention to just one. He noted that any potential ceasefire agreement could include the release of ten living hostages along with the remains of nine deceased individuals.

Prior to the meeting with Trump, a Qatari delegation held talks at the White House, which provided further context for the negotiations. Trump described the ceasefire discussions as "going very well," though Qatar's foreign ministry indicated that more time would be necessary for a resolution.

Despite optimistic reports from U.S. officials, a Palestinian source involved in the talks mentioned that no significant advancements had been made before the Tuesday discussions resumed. The renewed negotiations began after the outbreak of violence on October 7, 2023, initiated by a Hamas attack that resulted in significant casualties, including more than 57,500 deaths in Gaza as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry.

The situation remains tense as the potential ceasefire seeks to balance military objectives with humanitarian concerns, reflecting the complexities of the ongoing conflict.

Negotiations are expected to continue as both sides grapple with the realities of war and the hopes for a resolution.