Trump Presses Netanyahu for Gaza Ceasefire Amid Regional Peace Push

As tensions persist in Gaza, former President Donald Trump is stepping back into the diplomatic spotlight, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to support a U.S.-backed ceasefire deal aimed at halting the violence at least temporarily and paving the way for a broader plan for the region’s future.

The proposed deal includes the return of 10 living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 more in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire, the release of some Palestinian prisoners, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. While Israel has agreed to the main points of the plan, the militant group Hamas has responded cautiously. Their primary concern is ensuring that the temporary ceasefire leads to permanent peace, a condition Israel has not fully embraced.

Negotiations remain delicate. Hamas is also pushing to end operations by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which currently handles aid delivery, and wants international organisations like the United Nations to take over. U.S. officials say there may be some flexibility here, but they do not expect the foundation to be completely phased out.

What’s clear is that the talks have moved beyond just a truce. Trump, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, is actively trying to shape the long-term picture of what comes after the war. The administration’s focus includes preventing Hamas from returning to power in Gaza and ensuring a stable governance plan that avoids the kind of hybrid militant-civilian rule seen with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Trump’s broader goal also includes expanding the Abraham Accords, the agreements from his first term that normalised relations between Israel and some Arab nations. A long-term solution for Gaza will require buy-in from key regional players like Saudi Arabia, many of whom insist that the Palestinian Authority have a role in governing Gaza, a position that Israel firmly opposes.

For Trump, this is not just about Gaza. It’s a strategic opportunity to showcase his influence on the world stage once again. After supporting Israel in its conflict with Iran, Trump now wants to leverage that goodwill to move Netanyahu toward a ceasefire and possibly a broader regional deal.

It’s a high-stakes moment, with much of the world watching. While peace remains uncertain, the pressure is mounting, and the conversations taking place this week may shape the future of Gaza for years to come.