WASHINGTON (Web-Desk): Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump centered on efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, as Israel’s military continued its relentless operations in the Palestinian territory amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Posting on X, Netanyahu also noted that he and Trump discussed the “great victory we achieved over Iran,” referring to last month’s aerial campaign in which the U.S. joined Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
This marks Netanyahu’s third trip to the U.S. since Trump took office on January 20. Earlier, he told reporters that while Israel’s military offensive in Gaza was not yet complete, negotiators were “certainly working” toward a ceasefire agreement.
Trump and Netanyahu met twice in two days to deliberate on Gaza, with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, indicating that Israel and Hamas were edging closer to a deal after 21 months of conflict.
Hamas official Taher al-Nono described the talks as a “difficult round,” citing the free flow of aid into Gaza, withdrawal lines for Israeli troops, and assurances of moving toward a lasting ceasefire as top concerns.
A Qatari delegation, which is mediating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, met senior White House officials before Netanyahu’s arrival. The White House did not comment on the report.
Witkoff told reporters that only one major issue remained unresolved, raising hopes for a temporary deal by week’s end. He said the proposed agreement could involve a 60-day ceasefire, along with the release of 10 living hostages and the return of nine bodies.
Netanyahu also met U.S. Vice President JD Vance and was scheduled to hold discussions with Senate leaders on Capitol Hill.
Speaking to reporters, he reiterated Israel’s objectives: “We still have to finish the job in Gaza, free all our hostages, and dismantle Hamas’ military and governing structures.”
Meanwhile, Gaza remains under heavy bombardment. In Gaza City, residents combed through debris for survivors, hindered by a lack of fuel for rescue vehicles.
Since this war, over 57,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry, with most of the enclave’s population displaced and nearly half a million at risk of starvation.
Netanyahu also voiced optimism about expanding the Abraham Accords to include new regional partners, stating, “We are working on this with full vigour.”
