Key Highlights from the Meeting between Trump and Netanyahu at the White House

SadaNews - President Donald Trump stated that Hamas wants to negotiate and reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, while the Israeli Prime Minister discussed the possibility of achieving broader peace in the Middle East, according to him.

Trump expressed during a special dinner at the White House hosted for Netanyahu that he believes there are no obstacles to a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, confirming that things are going well.

When asked whether a two-state solution in the Middle East is feasible, Trump replied, "I don’t know" and referred the answer to Netanyahu.

As for Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of genocide in Gaza, he said that Trump spoke about freedom of choice, and that if residents of Gaza wish to leave, they may do so, while those who want to stay can remain.

He added that Palestinians can govern themselves, "but not at our threat", stating, "We can achieve broad peace in the Middle East that includes all our neighbors".

Netanyahu mentioned that he met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and had what he described as very important discussions about strengthening the Israel-US alliance.

He expressed the "gratitude of all Israelis and their admiration for Trump's leadership of the free world".

He continued, "Our teams together provide a fantastic team, and President Trump is charting peace in the region".

This meeting comes at a time when negotiations are taking place in Doha to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and to exchange prisoners.

According to Channel 12, the Israeli delegation does not include senior officials from Israeli security agencies, such as Mossad Chief David Barnea or retired Major General Nitzan Alon, who are expected to join as negotiations approach their conclusion.

Channel 12 reported: Nevertheless, there is cautious optimism as all parties await to see what the understandings between Trump and Netanyahu will yield.

For its part, Channel 14 stated that discussions between Trump and Netanyahu focus on trying to make a breakthrough in the hostage exchange deal.

On Sunday, an Israeli delegation arrived in Doha to resume indirect talks with Hamas via mediators, aiming to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and a prisoner exchange.

Tel Aviv estimates that there are 50 Israeli prisoners in Gaza, including 20 alive, while over 10,400 Palestinians suffer from torture, starvation, and medical neglect in its prisons, leading to the death of many, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with US support, has been committing genocide in Gaza, including murder, starvation, destruction, and forced displacement, ignoring international calls and orders from the International Court of Justice to cease.

This war has resulted in more than 194,000 Palestinians being killed or injured, most of whom are children and women, and more than 10,000 missing, in addition to hundreds of thousands of displaced persons.