Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington for a high-profile meeting with President Donald Trump, as US officials intensify efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza following nearly two years of conflict.
The visit comes amid renewed momentum in negotiations and growing international and domestic pressure on Israel to end hostilities.
President Trump has made clear he expects progress. Speaking ahead of the visit, he said he had been “very firm” with Netanyahu and expressed optimism that “we’ll have a deal this week.” A new US-backed proposal on the table includes a 60-day truce, a phased hostage release, and incremental Israeli troop withdrawals, a package Trump described as the “final offer.”
Behind the scenes, indirect talks between Hamas and Israel resumed in Qatar over the weekend. But the deal remains fragile. Hamas has demanded stronger guarantees for a permanent end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel continues to insist on the group’s disarmament, a condition Hamas refuses to entertain.
In Gaza, desperation is mounting. Medical workers report children suffering from malnutrition, and fuel shortages have crippled hospitals, water systems, and communications. Palestinians living under near-daily bombardment are skeptical. “We’re exhausted. Even a 60-day pause doesn’t promise peace,” said Nabil Abu Dayah, displaced from his home in northern Gaza.
Back in Israel, public sentiment is shifting. Over 20 soldiers have died in the past month alone, and growing numbers of Israelis are demanding a deal to bring the remaining hostages home. A series of large rallies have highlighted anguish among hostage families, who are pleading with Netanyahu and Trump to finalize a release agreement. “This is the time to save lives,” said Ilay David, whose brother remains in captivity.
The timing of Netanyahu’s visit is significant. Fresh from a controversial military campaign against Iran, he appears to have regained political leverage at home perhaps enough to defy far-right coalition partners who oppose any Gaza withdrawal.
