Hopes Rise for Gaza Ceasefire as Netanyahu Meets Trump at the White House.
In a pivotal diplomatic move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Washington for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, amid growing hopes for a new ceasefire in Gaza following 21 months of war.
Only Cautious Optimism on the Ground.
While indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Qatar on a U.S.-backed 60-day truce and hostage-release proposal, major sticking points remain unresolved. Palestinians, worn down by daily Israeli bombardment, remain wary.
“I don’t wish for a truce but a complete end to war,” said Nabil Abu Dayah, a displaced Gaza resident. “We’re exhausted—of tents, thirst, hunger. We have nothing.”
Public Pressure Mounts in Israel
In Israel, public pressure is building to bring hostages home. Rallies over the weekend demanded a deal to secure the release of around 50 hostages, of whom only 20 are believed to be alive. Some families expressed frustration that not all captives would be released immediately.
> “This is the time to save lives,” said Ilay David, whose brother Evyatar remains in Hamas captivity. “This is the moment to reach a comprehensive agreement.”
Strategic Timing for Netanyahu and Trump.
This marks Netanyahu’s third visit to the White House since Trump’s return to power nearly six months ago, but the first since the U.S. joined Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Analysts believe the recent 12-day war may have shifted momentum toward a possible end to the Gaza conflict.
After months of low approval ratings, Netanyahu has regained public support due to the Iran offensive and may now have more leverage to pursue a peace deal—despite objections from his far-right coalition, which seeks continued control of Gaza.
Ceasefire Proposal Details
The latest U.S.-sponsored proposal reportedly includes:
A 60-day ceasefire
The return of 28 hostages (10 alive, 18 dead) in five stages
Gradual Israeli military withdrawal from parts of northern and southern Gaza
A major increase in humanitarian aid
Information exchanges on remaining hostages and Palestinian detainees
After the first eight hostages are returned, Israel would begin withdrawing troops. On Day 10, Hamas would provide updates on remaining hostages, while Israel discloses details of over 2,000 Palestinians held in “administrative detention.”
Obstacles Remain
Though Hamas has responded "in a positive spirit," it has raised concerns about:
The role of the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)
Timing of Israeli troop withdrawals
Control and operation of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt
Israel, meanwhile, rejects Hamas’s requested changes, with Netanyahu insisting on the disarmament of Hamas—something the group refuses to discuss.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Conditions in Gaza continue to worsen. The UN warns that with fuel supplies cut off for over four months, basic services—medical care, water, and communications—are nearing collapse. Malnutrition among children is reportedly widespread.
War Background and Casualties
The war began after Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 people being taken hostage. In response, Israeli strikes have killed over 57,000 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry—a source the UN still considers the most reliable for casualty figures.
Public Opinion and Next Steps
Polls show that around two-thirds of Israelis support a ceasefire deal to bring the hostages home. However, the Israeli military is warning that the government must now choose between a diplomatic agreement or preparing to re-establish military rule in Gaza.
As Netanyahu and Trump meet, the coming days are seen as crucial—politically and humanitarianly. With growing pressure from both sides and urgent need on the ground, the world is wastching to see if this opportunity for peace can be realized.