As Gaza ceasefire talks stall, Netanyahu meets Trump for a second time

US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a second round of talks at the White House on Tuesday evening. Vice President J.D. Vance also attended, along with several senior officials. The meeting followed a dinner the previous night that included US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee.

 

During their meeting, Netanyahu presented Trump with a formal letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Speaking to reporters, the Israeli leader said his government was working with Washington to identify countries that could offer Palestinians a better future. He also stressed the importance of coordination between the two allies, reportedly telling Trump, “When there is full coordination, Israel can greatly enhance its capabilities.”

 

Parallel to the Israeli visit, a Qatari delegation held meetings with senior US officials at the White House to discuss a possible hostage deal. Talks focused on humanitarian aid distribution, which will be managed by a neutral third party. This arrangement would exclude both Hamas and Israel from controlling aid in areas vacated by the Israeli military, and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation would not be allowed to operate outside designated military zones.

 

A senior Israeli official confirmed ongoing efforts to finalise a deal, expressing hope that an agreement could be reached within days. Netanyahu is said to have held a two-hour meeting with Witkoff on hostage negotiations and the broader situation in Gaza, followed by a separate discussion with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While Hamas has rejected the latest Qatari proposal, the official said the gaps were minor and talks remained on track. Israel insists that any agreement must strip Hamas of its control over aid distribution.

 

Asked about the endgame in Gaza, the official said Netanyahu's position is clear: the war must end with Hamas removed from power. The prime minister, he added, is open to temporary Israeli control over the territory. Internal tensions within Israel’s government have also surfaced, particularly over military strategy and humanitarian planning. Netanyahu continues to support IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, though he has urged cabinet ministers to express disagreements respectfully.

 

In Doha, negotiations remain stalled. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, said discussions were still in the early phase. “We are speaking with both sides separately on a framework for the talks,” he explained. “Talks have not begun yet.” A Palestinian source said no breakthrough had been achieved so far.

 

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has outlined a controversial plan to relocate hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into a closed zone near Gaza’s border with Egypt. Katz has proposed building a “humanitarian city” in Rafah, which has been devastated by months of conflict. Once inside the zone, Palestinians would not be permitted to leave. Critics warn that the plan amounts to forced displacement. 

 

Katz wants the project to begin during a 60-day ceasefire currently under discussion between Trump and Netanyahu. Hamas continues to demand a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal in exchange for releasing hostages.

Middle East