Netanyahu and Trump prioritize hostages as Gaza military campaign grinds on

Netanyahu and Trump prioritize hostages as Gaza military campaign grinds on

Lead: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss efforts to free hostages held in Gaza, as Israel continues its military campaign. The talks also addressed ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, with U.S. officials expressing hope for an agreement soon. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Gaza, with both sides maintaining firm conditions for a truce. The meeting highlights continued international efforts to resolve the crisis.

Key Developments

  • Netanyahu and Trump met twice in two days, focusing on freeing hostages in Gaza.
  • U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism for a 60-day ceasefire deal involving the release of 10 living and nine deceased hostages.
  • Hamas negotiators demand free flow of aid and guarantees for a permanent ceasefire.
  • Israel continues airstrikes in Gaza, with significant civilian casualties and displacement.

Quotes

  • “We have still to finish the job in Gaza, release all our hostages, eliminate and destroy Hamas’ military and government capabilities,” Netanyahu told reporters.
  • “After they finished us, they say they’ll make a truce?” said Umm Mohammed Shaaban, a Palestinian grandmother mourning her grandchildren.
  • “From midnight till now, we have been looking for the children,” said Ahmed al-Nahhal, Gaza resident.
  • Steve Witkoff, U.S. envoy: The number of issues preventing an agreement has decreased from four to one.

Data & Context

  • The conflict began with a Hamas attack in October 2023, killing approximately 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages (Israeli figures).
  • About 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed alive.
  • Israel’s war has killed over 57,000 Palestinians (Gaza health ministry).
  • UN: Most of Gaza’s 2+ million population displaced; nearly 500,000 at risk of starvation.

International Response

  • Qatar mediates indirect talks between Israel and Hamas.
  • Netanyahu hopes to expand Abraham Accords with U.S. support.

Conclusion

The meeting between Netanyahu and Trump underscores ongoing international efforts to resolve the Gaza crisis, with hopes for a ceasefire and hostage release. Humanitarian concerns remain urgent as negotiations continue.

Source & Attribution

Source: Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the press, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. July 8, 2025.
Image: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

SEO Elements

  • Focus Keyword: Gaza ceasefire negotiations 2025
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  • Internal Link: Read our earlier report on Gaza famine risk

Category: Politics

Tags: gaza ceasefire, netanyahu, trump, hostages, israel hamas conflict, middle east, 2025