Netanyahu meets Trump, hopes for ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump. This has increased hopes for a new ceasefire in Gaza. The BBC reported this news on Monday (July 7). Trump had earlier told reporters, ‘I have a strong position with Netanyahu on ending the Gaza conflict and think that a deal can be reached this week.’ Before boarding the plane to the United States, Netanyahu said, ‘We are working to achieve the agreement that has been discussed on the terms that we have agreed to. I believe that the conversation with President Trump will certainly help to advance this outcome. Which is what we all hope for. Meanwhile, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas resumed in Qatar on Sunday evening over Trump’s proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and a hostage release agreement. Netanyahu visited the White House for the third time since Trump returned to power almost six months ago. However, this will be the first time the leaders will meet since the United States joined the Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and a ceasefire between the two sides was reached. However, it is unclear whether the key differences between Israel and Hamas, which are an obstacle to a deal, can be overcome.