Trump Hosts Netanyahu, Eyes Israel-Hamas Deal This Week

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the White House. The meeting aims to finalize a proposed 60-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which includes the release of hostages held in Gaza. This diplomatic effort follows indirect negotiations that commenced in Doha on July 6, involving mediators from Qatar and Egypt.

President Trump has expressed optimism about the potential agreement, stating that there is a “good chance” of reaching a deal that would facilitate the release of several hostages. The proposed ceasefire plan entails Hamas releasing 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Additionally, the plan includes provisions for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces to buffer zones along the borders with Israel and Egypt.

Netanyahu has indicated that his delegation has been instructed to pursue an agreement under specific conditions previously agreed upon. He emphasized that any ceasefire must not allow Hamas to maintain its military or governing capabilities in Gaza. Netanyahu has also proposed that, following the conflict, Gaza should be administered by local leaders unaffiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.

The ongoing conflict, which began with Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, has resulted in significant casualties. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 57,000 Palestinians have been killed, with a substantial number being civilians. Israel reports that 1,219 people, mostly civilians, were killed during the initial Hamas attack, and that 49 hostages remain in Gaza, including 27 confirmed dead.

Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have deteriorated severely. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israel-backed organization, took over food distribution in late May. However, the GHF’s operations have faced criticism due to reports of civilians being killed while seeking aid near its distribution centers. The United Nations has reported that over 600 people have died in such incidents, raising concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the aid distribution system.