Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes discussions with US President Donald Trump will help advance talks on a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip, which could lead to the release of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Trump predicted that an agreement could be reached this week.
Netanyahu said his goal is to ensure the return of hostages and remove the threat posed by Hamas. He made this statement after resuming talks with Israeli negotiators in Doha on Sunday. The negotiations come as public pressure mounts for a permanent ceasefire to end the war in Gaza, which is opposed by some hardline members of Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition.
Palestinian group Hamas responded positively to a US-backed ceasefire proposal last week, but concerns remain over humanitarian aid and passage through the Rafah crossing in southern Israel. The first session of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel in Qatar ended inconclusively.
Netanyahu said he believes he and Trump will also build on the outcome of a recent air war with Iran and seek to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. He believes that recent Middle East developments have created an opportunity for peace.
Demonstrators gathered at a public square in Tel Aviv to call for a ceasefire deal and the return of around 50 hostages still held in Gaza. The latest bloodshed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people.
Gaza’s health ministry reported that Israel’s military assault has killed over 57,000 Palestinians and caused a hunger crisis, displacing the population. The US-backed ceasefire proposal was supported by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, but not all members of Netanyahu’s coalition agree on the deal.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-send-delegation-qatar-gaza-ceasefire-talks-2025-07-05