Can Trump and Netanyahu Seal a Ceasefire Deal in Time?

July 7, 2025: Israel and Hamas resumed indirect talks in Qatar on Monday, seeking a ceasefire and a hostage-prisoner exchange in Gaza, just hours before a high-stakes meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C.

The renewed negotiations began on Sunday in Doha, with Qatari and Egyptian mediators facilitating efforts to reach a 60-day ceasefire deal. The draft, backed by the U.S., includes the phased release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, partial Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza, and potential steps toward ending the war entirely.

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Before flying to Washington, Netanyahu told reporters that Israeli negotiators had “clear instructions” and expressed hope that many of the remaining 49 captives in Gaza — including 27 confirmed dead — could soon be released. “My meeting with Trump could definitely help advance this,” he said.

The talks come amid rising international pressure and growing fatigue within Israel over the 21-month-long war. However, a major sticking point remains Hamas’s demand for a full and lasting ceasefire, which Israel continues to reject. Internal rifts within the Israeli cabinet and opposition from hardline coalition members further complicate the path to peace.