Washington Pushes for Urgent Gaza Ceasefire Amid Intensified Talks

In a decisive move aimed at establishing a truce in the Gaza Strip, Washington is ramping up its efforts to finalize a 60-day ceasefire. U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened for a second meeting within a short span of 24 hours to discuss the terms of the ceasefire, which includes the release of ten living hostages and the repatriation of nine deceased individuals. This information was conveyed by Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, shortly before the commencement of talks in Doha. The meeting held in the Oval Office lasted just over an hour and was conducted behind closed doors, emphasizing the seriousness of the discussions. The day prior, the two leaders had shared an extended dinner at the White House, during which Trump vocally defended Netanyahu amidst his ongoing corruption trial, labeling him a wartime prime minister who has yielded remarkable results. Sources close to the Israeli delegation also entertained a controversial notion during the dinner: the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza to third Arab countries if they choose to leave voluntarily. However, this proposal has yet to garner support from regional states. Netanyahu, in Washington for his third visit since Trump’s return to power, also engaged with Vice President JD Vance and various Republican congressional leaders. Upon concluding his meetings, he voiced a clear message regarding Gaza: "We must complete the job in Gaza, free all our hostages, and obliterate the military and governmental capacity of Hamas. Gaza must forge a new future for the sake of all." There were no indications from Netanyahu regarding withdrawal or future political commitments concerning Gaza. Parallel to these discussions, delegations from Israel and Hamas initiated indirect talks in Doha, with Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mayed al-Ansari indicating that a general framework for discussions is underway, though detailed conversations remain pending. Witkoff has acknowledged a reduction in obstacles from four to one, suggesting a provisional agreement could materialize this week. Trump is determined to resolve the Gaza conflict promptly, asserting the need for tangible decisions and outcomes. "We have to resolve this. Gaza is a tragedy," he emphasized during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. As Witkoff continues diplomatic negotiations, Trump appears to be strategizing for a temporary halt in violence, aiming to restore the United States' image as a significant mediator in the Middle East, even while pivoting focus towards the conflict in Ukraine. The proposed U.S. framework includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the initiation of a new diplomatic process. However, Hamas remains steadfast in its demands for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, with Netanyahu showing no signs of conceding. During a speech to Republican congressional members, he reiterated, "We are not done. Victory is not yet guaranteed." The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Israel reports 1,200 dead and 251 kidnapped. In response, Israel’s military operations have led to over 57,000 fatalities in Gaza, according to the local health authority, marking an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Nearly the entire population of Gaza is displaced, with over 480,000 individuals facing potential famine, as reported by the latest figures from the United Nations. Netanyahu’s trip to Washington is pivotal as he seeks to secure commitments before negotiation efforts potentially stall. He is also scheduled to address the Senate, with further engagement with the White House anticipated. In the hallowed halls of Congress and the West Wing, the urgency to conclude this truce remains evident, with an awareness that time is slipping away, measured in days rather than weeks. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2