A comprehensive ceasefire proposal to end the nearly two-year war in Gaza will be the central focus of crunch talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. The success of the U.S.-brokered plan hinges on bridging the significant gap between the two leaders’ current positions.
The proposed deal, reportedly a 21-point framework, aims to halt the fighting in exchange for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and the disarmament of the militant group. President Trump has championed the plan, suggesting after talks with Arab leaders that a broad regional consensus is in place to support the initiative.
Despite the diplomatic momentum, Prime Minister Netanyahu has shown little public enthusiasm for a ceasefire. He has repeatedly vowed to continue Israel’s military offensive until Hamas is completely defeated, a goal he reiterated during his recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly. This hardline stance is the primary hurdle for the peace plan.
Pressure to accept the deal is coming from multiple directions, including an emotional appeal from the families of Israeli hostages. In an open letter, they urged President Trump to stand firm and ensure the ceasefire plan is implemented, highlighting the desperate need to bring their loved ones home safely.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting is far from certain. Analysts believe that while Netanyahu prefers to continue the war, significant pressure from his most important ally could be persuasive. The world will be watching to see if Trump’s diplomatic push can finally bring about a ceasefire and a new path forward for the devastated Gaza Strip.