By Yang Tian – BBC News

US President Donald Trump voiced optimism over ongoing ceasefire talks in Gaza during a high-profile meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. Describing the negotiations as “going along very well,” Trump suggested that Hamas was showing willingness to end the 21-month-long conflict.

“They want to meet, and they want to have that ceasefire,” Trump told reporters, making unplanned remarks that struck a hopeful tone despite no breakthrough in the latest indirect talks held in Doha, Qatar.

The leaders met just after these talks between Israel and Hamas failed to yield a resolution, though further negotiations are scheduled for later this week.

When asked what was hindering a peace deal, Trump said, “I don’t think there is a hold-up. I think things are going along very well.”

Discussion on Relocation and Statehood

The meeting also touched on controversial ideas about relocating Palestinians. Trump claimed to have the cooperation of neighboring countries, while Netanyahu said efforts were underway to find nations that could “offer Palestinians a better future.”

Netanyahu added, “If people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave.”
The Palestinian leadership has strongly opposed any relocation plans, arguing they violate international law.

Netanyahu also dismissed the idea of full Palestinian statehood, asserting Israel would always maintain security control over Gaza. “People will say it’s not a complete state—it’s not a state. We don’t care,” he stated bluntly.

Nobel Nomination and Strategic Talks

During the meeting, Netanyahu surprised Trump by presenting him with a nomination letter for the Nobel Peace Prize, calling the US president a peacemaker “in one country, in one region after another.”

Although the White House initially labeled the dinner as private with no media access, Trump later addressed reporters—a move in line with his style of using such moments to shape global perception.

Trump reiterated that he would be “very firm” with Netanyahu on ending the war and insisted, “We’ll have a deal this week.”

Ceasefire Plan and Challenges

The current US-backed proposal includes a 60-day truce, during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others. In return, Israel would release an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners and withdraw forces from parts of Gaza.

Major hurdles remain. One key dispute centers on humanitarian aid: Hamas is demanding an end to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s operations, while Israel’s negotiators claim they are not authorized to even discuss the issue.

Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, is expected to join negotiations in Doha in hopes of bridging the divide and finalizing a ceasefire.

Protests and Legal Controversies

As Netanyahu’s motorcade arrived at the White House, protesters gathered outside, waving Palestinian flags and calling for his arrest. Netanyahu is facing an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, along with former defense minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, over alleged war crimes.

Netanyahu has rejected the charges, labeling them antisemitic. The Trump administration has responded by sanctioning four ICC judges, accusing the court of targeting the US and its allies unfairly.

Diplomatic Climate

This marks Netanyahu’s third visit to Washington since Trump returned to office nearly six months ago, but their first since the US supported Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

There is growing belief that the recent brief war with Iran has shifted regional dynamics and opened a possible path to peace in Gaza.

Trump has hinted at future talks with Iran and the potential lifting of sanctions, further signaling his broader ambition to stabilize the region.

A Fragile Hope

While the situation remains complex and volatile, Trump expressed increasing confidence that a ceasefire is within reach. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the administration’s top priority: “The president wants Hamas to agree to the 60-day deal right now.”

Whether this optimism leads to real progress remains to be seen—but with negotiations ongoing, all eyes are now on Doha.