WORLD NEWS

Netanyahu, Trump Push Gaza Ceasefire Talks Amid Hostage Pressure

Netanyahu says talks with Trump could push forward Gaza ceasefire & hostage deal. Trump predicts agreement possible this week. Hamas shows “positive spirit,” but gaps remain on aid, Rafah & troop pullout.
2025-07-07
Netanyahu, Trump Push Gaza Ceasefire Talks Amid Hostage Pressure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington could help advance a ceasefire deal and secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, as both leaders expressed optimism about reaching an agreement this week.

“I believe the discussion with President Trump can certainly help advance these results,” Netanyahu said on Sunday prior to departing for Washington. He emphasized Israel’s focus on the return of remaining hostages and the elimination of Hamas as a security threat.

Trump, speaking before returning to the capital after a weekend at his New Jersey golf club, told reporters:

“I think there’s a good chance we have a deal with Hamas during the week,” adding that it could lead to the release of “quite a few hostages.”

This marks Netanyahu’s third White House visit since Trump returned to office nearly six months ago.

Ceasefire Talks Resume in Doha

Negotiators from both sides resumed indirect talks in Qatar on Sunday, but initial discussions concluded inconclusively. Two Palestinian sources told media that Israel’s delegation lacked a strong mandate to finalize terms.

Meanwhile, Hamas responded “positively” to a U.S.-backed 60-day ceasefire proposal. However, a Palestinian official from an allied faction said unresolved issues include:

·       Delivery of humanitarian aid

·       Access through the Rafah crossing

·       Clarity on Israeli troop withdrawals

Netanyahu’s office confirmed that changes proposed by Hamas were “not acceptable”, but Israeli negotiators would continue talks in Qatar based on the original framework.

Mounting Domestic Pressure

Back home, Netanyahu faces growing pressure from the Israeli public. Thousands rallied Saturday night in Tel Aviv, demanding an immediate hostage deal and ceasefire. Protesters held Israeli flags and signs with the names and faces of the approximately 50 hostages still in Gaza, of whom only around 20 are believed to be alive.

Despite mounting pressure, Netanyahu continues to reject any deal that leaves Hamas armed or in power, insisting on the group's complete disarmament—a condition Hamas refuses to negotiate.

October 7 Legacy & Humanitarian Toll

The conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

In response, Israel launched a devastating military assault on Gaza. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 57,000 Palestinians have been killed, and tens of thousands more displaced. Gaza faces a hunger crisis, widespread destruction, and an ongoing humanitarian emergency.

Iran and Regional Stability

Netanyahu also stated he would use his Washington visit to discuss regional security and follow up on the 12-day air war with Iran last month, reiterating a joint U.S.-Israel stance to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“Recent developments have created a real opportunity to expand the circle of peace,” Netanyahu said, hinting at broader regional diplomacy.