Trump to confer with Netanyahu over ending Gaza conflict at initial Washington gathering
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations has collapsed, leaving both parties at an impasse. The negotiations, which included a US-backed proposal for a 60-day truce, had aimed to bring relief to Gaza and release half of the Hamas-held hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
However, disagreements over key issues such as a full Israel withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the conflict, versus disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza, have prevented progress. Despite efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump and his envoys, the ceasefire talks were cut short due to perceived bad faith by Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now set to convene his security cabinet to decide Israel's next steps. Some Israeli officials have suggested expanding the military offensive or annexing parts of Gaza if the diplomatic route fails. However, domestic security experts have urged Trump to pressure Israel to end the war, emphasizing that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat.
Meanwhile, Gaza faces a deteriorating humanitarian crisis, with ongoing deaths from malnutrition and violence at aid distribution points. In the occupied West Bank, an intense Israeli military offensive has been ongoing, focusing on towns such as Yenín, Tulkarem, Tubas, and Nablus. In Yenín alone, Israeli troops have destroyed around twenty buildings in the refugee camp.
Amidst these challenges, Netanyahu is meeting with Trump at the White House today. The meeting is expected to address the threat of Iran and the new conditions and concessions Israel will have to accept for possible normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has made it clear that formal ties will not be established without a viable solution for the Palestinians.
In a separate development, the Palestinian presidency has denounced the "ethnic cleansing" committed by Israel in the West Bank. The Israeli visit to Washington comes amid the implementation of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. An Israeli delegation will be dispatched to Doha later this week to discuss the technical details related to the continued implementation of the agreement.
Gal Hirsch, the government's liaison with the families of the hostages, and Ron Dermer, the Minister of Strategic Affairs and Netanyahu's right-hand man, are also accompanying the Israeli leader to Washington. Netanyahu is the first international leader to meet with the U.S. President since his inauguration.
The war in Gaza has served to "change the face of the Middle East," according to Netanyahu. The situation remains fragile, with a potential for renewed military action or a comprehensive deal depending on future negotiations.
The average dissatisfaction among world political leaders about the current state of war-and-conflicts in Gaza, specifically the collapsing ceasefire negotiations, is rising. General news coverage highlights key disagreements between Israel and Hamas, such as Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas' disarmament, which have stalled progress in reaching a resolution.
