US talks 'focused on hostages, truce'

Netanyahu insists on 'eliminating' Hamas

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday that his meeting with US President Donald Trump focused on freeing hostages held in Gaza, and stressed his determination to “eliminate” the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas.

Mr Netanyahu said on X that the leaders also discussed the consequences and possibilities of “the great victory we achieved over Iran,” following an aerial war last month in which the United States joined Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear sites.

Mr Netanyahu is making his third US visit since Mr Trump took office on Jan 20 and had earlier told reporters that while he did not think Israel's campaign in the Palestinian enclave was done, negotiators are “certainly working” on a ceasefire.