Trump and Netanyahu Meet at White House to Discuss Gaza Ceasefire

What Happened?

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Tuesday for a press conference to discuss the next steps of ceasefire arrangements between Israel and Hamas.

The joint meeting held at the White House marked the first foreign leader visit of President Trump's second term in office.

As the U.S. brokered deal with the help of Qatar enters its second phase, hostages remain in Gaza, according to reports.

Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff told reporters Tuesday that a three to five-year timeline for the reconstruction of Gaza is not a viable post-war plan.

Those timeline terms were originally set out in the temporary truce agreement which would end the war on the 16th day of implementation.

Witoff said, 'To me, it is unfair to explain to Palestinians that they might be back in five years. That’s just preposterous.'

Officials reportedly estimate upward of $300 million will be needed to sustain Gaza's most urgent needs in the next six months.

On Monday, Trump said that there are 'no guarantees that the peace is going to hold.'

This comes after the process to release 110 Palestinian prisoners had endured a rocky start after a delay from the Israeli government in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli officials reportedly stated chaotic scenes witnessed at the hostage handover in southern Gaza were unacceptable which disrupted the prisoner release process.

Why it Matters

More than 500,000 Palestinians have returned to north Gaza, according to Al Jazeera.

Trump previously announced major reversals from the Biden-era policy in the West Bank and Gaza.

U.S. sanctions in the West Bank against dozens of Israeli members accused of violence against Palestinians were removed by the Treasury Department.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and many Republican congressional members reportedly opposed the sanctions.

Some view this as an opportunity for Israel to carry out a new operation in the occupied West Bank territory that the truce doesn’t cover.

At least 12 people have been killed and at least 40 people injured as part of a major crackdown in the area of Jenin, according to reports.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has faced pressure from his allies after agreeing to the truce agreement and hostage-prisoner exchange with Hamas.

Some of his cabinet members have previously threatened to withdraw if the truce went through.

How it Affects You

It’s not clear the effects this may have on Gaza recovery efforts in the critical months ahead.

The president ordered an end on Tuesday to U.S. engagement with the United Nations Human Rights Council.

He also reportedly continued to halt funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

It aligns with Trump's executive order that put a hold on such aid for 90 days.

The UNRWA has reportedly been an organization criticized by Israel's prime minister.

Trump's initial moves in office have kept many on their toes about a long-term solution that will essentially stand in the Middle East.

Over 47,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed as a result of the war.