Netanyahu and Trump Discuss Gaza Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

On July 7, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza and explore avenues for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This high-level meeting coincided with indirect negotiations in Doha, Qatar, where a U.S.-backed 60-day ceasefire proposal was under discussion.

The proposed ceasefire plan includes phased hostage releases, Israeli military withdrawals, and discussions aimed at ending the 21-month-long war. President Trump expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating, "I believe both Hamas and Israel are interested in reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza." (axios.com)

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, with a Hamas-led attack on Israel, has resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli and over 57,000 Palestinian deaths. The vast majority of Gaza’s population has been displaced, facing severe humanitarian crises, including food insecurity and limited access to medical care. (reuters.com)

During the White House meeting, Netanyahu proposed the establishment of a "humanitarian city" in Rafah to accommodate approximately 600,000 displaced Palestinians. This plan has been met with criticism, with some labeling it as potential ethnic cleansing. (cadenaser.com)

President Trump also indicated openness to lifting sanctions on Iran following U.S. bombings of Iranian nuclear sites and disclosed scheduled talks with Iranian officials. He stated, "We're working on a lot of things with Israel, and one of the things is probably a permanent deal with Iran." (upi.com)

Protests occurred outside the White House during the meeting, with demonstrators denouncing continued U.S. support for Israel. (apnews.com)

Netanyahu also presented President Trump with a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize, a move that has sparked controversy amid the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.

Despite ongoing negotiations, significant obstacles remain, particularly concerning humanitarian aid access to Gaza. Israeli officials have expressed cautious optimism that a ceasefire deal can be reached, though it may take several more days. (reuters.com)

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that diplomatic efforts will lead to a sustainable resolution to the conflict and alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Gaza.