Are Trump and Netanyahu Making Progress in Gaza Ceasefire Talks?

Washington, July 8 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has conveyed optimism regarding the ongoing discussions to conclude the conflict in Gaza, stating they are "going along very well" as he welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House.

The US leader expressed belief that Hamas is ready to end the 21-month-long strife. "They wish to meet and are eager for a ceasefire," he remarked during a press conference, as reported by the BBC.

This meeting followed the latest rounds of indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar, which concluded without a significant agreement, although further discussions are anticipated this week.

When questioned about obstacles to achieving peace in Gaza, Trump replied, "I don't perceive any hold-up. I believe things are progressing well."

Both leaders discussed potential options for relocating Palestinians, with Trump noting he has support from neighboring countries of Israel.

Netanyahu indicated he is collaborating with the US to identify nations that could provide a "better future" for Palestinians.

"Those who wish to remain can do so, but those who prefer to leave should have that option," Netanyahu stated.

The Palestinian presidency has previously dismissed any plans to relocate Palestinians, highlighting that such actions would breach international law.

Netanyahu also seemed to downplay the likelihood of full Palestinian statehood, asserting that Israel will "always" maintain security oversight over the Gaza Strip, according to the BBC.

"People may argue it's not a complete state; we are not concerned about that," Netanyahu remarked.

During their meeting, the Israeli Prime Minister noted that he has put Trump forward for the Nobel Peace Prize, a goal the US president has long aspired to.

"He is creating peace as we speak, across one country and one region after another," Netanyahu stated while presenting a letter to the Nobel committee.

Trump has indicated he would maintain a "firm" stance with Netanyahu regarding the cessation of hostilities and suggested that "we'll finalize a deal" this week.

The White House initially planned to keep the meeting private, describing it as an intimate dinner where Trump would focus on ending the war and ensuring the return of all hostages.

The US-endorsed ceasefire proposal reportedly entails Hamas releasing 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 deceased hostages over five stages during a 60-day truce.

In exchange, Israel is expected to release an unspecified number of Palestinian detainees and withdraw from portions of Gaza, which currently sees Israeli control of about two-thirds of the territory.

One of the main sticking points is related to aid, as Hamas insists on the termination of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's operations, while the Israeli delegation has refused to negotiate on this matter, stating they lack the authority.

During his visit, Netanyahu also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

As Netanyahu's armored vehicle approached the White House, numerous protesters gathered at security gates, waving Palestinian flags and calling for the Israeli Prime Minister's arrest.

Netanyahu, along with his former defense minister Yoav Gallant and a Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, were subjects of an arrest warrant issued in November by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Netanyahu has dismissed these allegations, labeling the warrants as antisemitic, while the Trump administration has placed sanctions on four ICC judges, condemning their actions as "baseless" and targeting America and its close ally, Israel.