Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing Gaza conflict. His discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump focus on the second phase of a fragile ceasefire with Hamas. This ceasefire began on January 19, and its first phase involves releasing 33 hostages by Hamas in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. As of now, 18 hostages have been freed.
The upcoming second phase aims to secure the release of all remaining hostages and bring a definitive end to the warfare. These negotiations are mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, rather than direct talks between Israel and Hamas. Trump's administration claims significant involvement in establishing the initial ceasefire, which coincidentally began just before he assumed office.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high. Netanyahu faces internal pressure from hardliners within his government, threatening political instability if he compromises on Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli military's actions in the West Bank have sparked accusations of ethnic cleansing from Palestinian authorities, further complicating peace efforts.
The meeting between Netanyahu and Trump is not only a strategic dialogue about the Gaza ceasefire but also a demonstration of their continued alliance. Trump's lifting of sanctions against Israeli settlers and arms supply restrictions, previously imposed by former President Joe Biden, underscores this support. As the ceasefire's future hangs in the balance, the world watches to see if these diplomatic endeavors lead to lasting peace or further conflict in the region.
