Hopes for Gaza ceasefire deal

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump hopes to strike a ceasefire deal in Gaza next week as he hosts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House while his negotiating team narrows the gaps between Hamas and Israel on an agreement to release hostages and end hostilities.

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The Oval Office meeting with Netanyahu tomorrow follows Trump’s decision to attack Iranian nuclear sites and then broker a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

Trump said he would be “very firm” with Netanyahu about ending the conflict. “I think we'll have a deal next week,” he said this week.

Hamas is weighing whether to accept an amended proposal for a 60-day ceasefire put forward by Qatar and Egypt interlocutors. Mediators “are making intensive efforts to bridge the gap between the parties and reach a framework agreement that would pave the way for a serious round of negotiations”, Hamas said on Wednesday.

Israelis are expecting Netanyahu and Trump to announce a ceasefire deal as well as agreements with other neighbouring Arab nations during the trip. “It will be a very important visit,” said Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon.

In theory, Netanyahu has more leverage to agree to a peace deal over the objections of far-right members in his cabinet. Netanyahu is experiencing a boost in popularity following the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, which polls show 82% of Jewish Israelis supported.

Israeli officials have also made clear their view that the ceasefire under consideration gives them options to continue fighting. “It’s not a commitment for ending the war,” Danon said.