Trump anticipates brokering a Gaza agreement within the current week.
The ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas are at a critical juncture, with U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set to meet at the White House on July 7, 2025. This high-level discussion is hoped to "help advance" the Gaza ceasefire deal, following indirect negotiations in Doha aimed at resolving the final sticking points [1][2].
The deal being discussed is a 60-day truce that includes the release of 10 live Israeli hostages and 18 deceased hostages. Although this agreement does not guarantee a permanent end to the war, it would set the stage for longer-term negotiations during the truce period. Trump is personally guaranteeing that Israel will halt military operations during this time and plans to announce the ceasefire agreement himself to reassure Hamas about Israel's commitment [1][4].
However, Netanyahu is firm on the terms, particularly that any deal must be "on our terms." He has rejected Hamas's earlier "unacceptable" demands and remains cautious, unwilling to sign off until all conditions meet his terms. A major friction point remains the governance of Gaza after the ceasefire, with Netanyahu opposing any role for the Palestinian Authority in post-war Gaza. Israel is reportedly more flexible about exiling Hamas leaders but insists on dismantling their influence [3].
Alongside ceasefire talks, Israel has approved sending aid into northern Gaza to address severe food shortages, marking a small humanitarian concession amid the conflict [4].
At least 20 hostages are still alive, according to Israeli intelligence, and Trump expresses optimism about securing the release of more hostages from Hamas this week. However, Netanyahu dismissed the latest proposal by Qatar, mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, as "unacceptable." The status of two abduction victims remains unclear [2].
The U.S., Qatar, and Egypt are acting as intermediaries between Israel and Hamas, with the current negotiations being conducted through indirect talks. The outcome of the Trump-Netanyahu meeting is seen as potentially pivotal in breaking the deadlock [1][2][3][4].
[1] Associated Press. (2025, July 6). Trump, Netanyahu to meet as Gaza ceasefire talks intensify. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-hamas-donald-trump-benjamin-netanyahu-e60c8e0473808c422e055a2f43d62089
[2] Reuters. (2025, July 6). U.S., Qatar, Egypt mediate between Israel and Hamas in Gaza ceasefire talks. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-qatar-egypt-mediate-between-israel-and-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-talks-2025-07-06/
[3] Al Jazeera. (2025, July 6). Netanyahu dismisses latest Qatar proposal for Gaza ceasefire. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/6/netanyahu-dismisses-latest-qatar-proposal-for-gaza-ceasefire
[4] CNN. (2025, July 6). Israel approves sending aid to Gaza as ceasefire talks intensify. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/06/middleeast/israel-gaza-ceasefire-talks-aid/index.html
- Although the 60-day truce agreement is expected to help advance the Gaza ceasefire deal, President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are still ironing out the terms, particularly regarding the governance of Gaza after the ceasefire and the role of the Palestinian Authority.
- Despite the optimism about securing the release of more hostages, Prime Minister Netanyahu remains cautious, rejecting recent proposals that he deems "unacceptable," such as the one put forth by Qatar, citing the need for Israel to meet all conditions on its terms.
