In a high-stakes diplomatic push, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened for a second time within 24 hours at the White House, intensifying efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. 

The Tuesday evening meeting, held behind closed doors and lasting just over an hour, followed a lengthy dinner discussion the previous night. 

Netanyahu’s visit marks his third trip to Washington since Trump began his second term in January.

The urgency of the talks was underscored by escalating violence in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have reportedly claimed the lives of at least 95 Palestinians. 

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Trump emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling Gaza “a tragedy” and expressing mutual determination with Netanyahu to resolve the crisis.

Despite the optimism, details from the meeting remain scarce. Al Jazeera’s correspondent Mike Hanna noted the lack of transparency, suggesting potential hurdles in the negotiation process. 

“The sealed nature of the talks and absence of a formal readout may point to unresolved tensions clouding the leaders’ hopeful rhetoric,” Hanna observed.

Adding a glimmer of hope, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that progress had been made in ceasefire negotiations. He stated that only one major issue remained between Israel and Hamas, down from four, and expressed confidence that a 60-day truce could be finalized by week’s end. 

The proposed deal includes the release of ten living hostages and the return of nine deceased individuals.

However, Netanyahu tempered expectations, reiterating Israel’s broader military objectives. “We still have to finish the job in Gaza—free all our hostages and dismantle Hamas’s military and governing infrastructure,” he said during a meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The coming days may prove pivotal in determining whether diplomacy can halt the bloodshed.

Source: Al Jazeera 

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