U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to hold high-level talks focused on the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent a renewed escalation of violence in Gaza.
The meeting comes at a critical moment, with the initial phase of the ceasefire nearing completion and negotiations underway to determine the future of hostilities, humanitarian access, and long-term security arrangements. Officials familiar with the discussions say the talks will center on extending the truce, securing the release of remaining hostages, and outlining conditions for a more durable pause in fighting.
Phase two of the ceasefire is widely seen as more complex and politically sensitive. While the first phase focused on halting active combat and allowing limited humanitarian aid into Gaza, the next stage is expected to address broader issues, including a potential withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain areas, governance arrangements in Gaza, and guarantees aimed at preventing future attacks.
Netanyahu faces intense domestic pressure as he balances military objectives with international demands to limit civilian harm and ease Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. His government has insisted that any long-term ceasefire must ensure Hamas can no longer pose a threat to Israel’s security.
Trump, who has positioned himself as a key diplomatic power broker, is expected to emphasize stability and leverage U.S. influence to push both sides toward a workable framework. Sources say Trump believes progress in phase two could help reshape the regional balance and reduce the risk of a broader Middle East conflict.
The discussions are also expected to address the role of regional mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, which have played central roles in facilitating indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas. U.S. officials continue to coordinate closely with these partners as talks advance.
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, adding urgency to the negotiations. Aid agencies warn that without a sustained ceasefire and expanded access, shortages of food, medical supplies, and shelter could worsen rapidly. Phase two talks are expected to include measures to increase aid flows and rebuild critical infrastructure damaged during the fighting.
Meanwhile, international observers are watching closely to see whether the meeting yields tangible progress or exposes deep divisions. Hamas has signaled cautious openness to extending the ceasefire but continues to demand guarantees tied to Israeli military actions and the future status of Gaza.
Analysts note that failure to reach agreement on phase two could lead to a swift collapse of the truce and a return to intense fighting. “This is the most fragile point of the ceasefire,” one regional expert said. “What happens next will define the trajectory of the conflict.”
As Trump and Netanyahu prepare for talks, expectations remain measured. While both leaders have expressed optimism, officials acknowledge that major obstacles remain. The coming days may determine whether the ceasefire evolves into a longer-term pause — or gives way to renewed conflict.
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