Israel's Netanyahu visits Washington to discuss second phase of Gaza ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the US Capitol in Washington on July 24, 2024.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Monday to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire deal with Hamas with the Trump administration. The fragile ceasefire is currently holding in the Gaza Strip with the next stage of negotiations expected to cover the release of the remaining captives and a more permanent end to the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington on Monday for talks with the new Trump administration on a second phase of the truce with Hamas, which has not yet been finalised.

Just over two weeks after the ceasefire took hold, two Hamas officials said the group was ready to begin talks on the details of a second phase, which could help secure a lasting cessation of violence.

Before leaving Israel, Netanyahu told reporters he would discuss "victory over Hamas", countering Iran and freeing all hostages when he meets US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

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Media outlet Axios on Monday said that Netanyahu will extend his visit and return to Israel on Saturday.

It will be Trump's first meeting with a foreign leader since returning to the White House in January, a prioritisation Netanyahu said showed "the strength of the Israeli-American alliance".

Witkoff said he was "certainly hopeful" that the truce will hold.


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