Fragile Ceasefire in Gaza Under Scrutiny as Trump and Netanyahu Meet in Washington
US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about the durability of the fragile ceasefire in gaza, stating there are “no guarantees that the peace is going to hold.” This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Washington for high-stakes talks with the Trump administration on the future of the truce with Hamas.
the meeting marks Trump’s first engagement with a foreign leader since his return to the White House in January, a move Netanyahu described as “telling.” “I think it’s a testimony to the strength of the Israeli-American alliance,” Netanyahu said before departing Israel.
The discussions are expected to focus on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which has yet to be finalized.Netanyahu’s office confirmed he would begin talks with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to address the release of remaining hostages and explore a more permanent end to the conflict.
A Shifting Middle East Landscape
Netanyahu emphasized the transformative impact of Israel’s wartime decisions, stating, “I believe that working closely with President Trump, we can redraw it (Middle East’s map) even further and for the better.” This sentiment underscores the broader geopolitical ambitions of both leaders, notably in countering Iran and fostering regional stability.
Trump has repeatedly touted a controversial plan to “clean out” Gaza, advocating for the relocation of palestinians to neighboring countries like Egypt or Jordan. However, Qatar, a key mediator in the ceasefire alongside the US and Egypt, has stressed the importance of allowing Palestinians to “return to their homes and land.” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, has gone further, warning that such relocations “would be tantamount to ethnic cleansing.”
The Human Cost of Conflict
The gaza ceasefire’s first phase, spanning 42 days, saw Hamas release 33 hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinians held in Israeli jails. While this has led to a surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza,the toll of the conflict remains staggering.
During the 7 October 2023 attack, Hamas militants took 251 hostages, 91 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 confirmed dead by the Israeli military. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people,mostly civilians,according to official israeli figures. Israel’s retaliatory response has killed at least 47,283 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, as reported by the hamas-run health ministry.
West Bank Operations intensify
As ceasefires hold in Gaza and Lebanon, Israel has shifted its focus to the occupied West Bank, where an ongoing operation has killed dozens. The Israeli military claims the campaign aims to root out extremism, but Palestinian officials report widespread destruction.
Yesterday, the palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Israeli forces “simultaneously detonated about 20 buildings” in the Jenin refugee camp, with explosions heard across the region. Since the Gaza war began, violence in the West Bank has surged, with at least 883 Palestinians killed by Israeli troops or settlers, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
A Path Forward?
The Washington talks are also expected to address concessions Netanyahu must make to revive normalization efforts with Saudi Arabia, which were frozen early in the Gaza war. Trump believes “that he must stabilize the region first and create an anti-Iran coalition with his strategic partners,” including Israel and Saudi Arabia,said David Khalfa,a researcher at the Jean Jaures Foundation in Paris.
As the world watches,the fragile ceasefire hangs in the balance,with the potential for further escalation or a renewed push for lasting peace.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Ceasefire Status | Fragile, with no guarantees of holding |
| Hostage exchange | 33 hostages released, 91 remain in Gaza |
| Casualties | 1,210 Israelis and 47,283 Gazans killed |
| West Bank Operations | 883 Palestinians and 30 Israelis killed |
| Regional Focus | Countering Iran, normalizing ties with saudi Arabia |
Fragile Ceasefire in Gaza Under Scrutiny: Insights from middle East Expert Dr. Yara El-Hassan
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As the fragile ceasefire in Gaza hangs in the balance, the world watches closely. High-stakes talks between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington are expected to address the future of the truce with Hamas, the human cost of the conflict, and broader regional dynamics. To shed light on these critical issues,World Today News Senior Editor Sarah Collins sits down with dr. Yara El-Hassan, a renowned Middle East expert and political analyst.
The Fragility of the Gaza Ceasefire
Sarah collins: Dr. El-Hassan, President Trump has expressed skepticism about the durability of the ceasefire in Gaza. What are your thoughts on the likelihood of this truce holding?
Dr. Yara El-Hassan: The ceasefire is indeed precarious.While the first phase saw the release of 33 hostages, there remain 91 still in Gaza, and the terms for the second phase are yet to be finalized. The lack of trust between the parties, combined with the volatile situation on the ground, makes it uncertain whether this ceasefire can evolve into a lasting peace. Additionally, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to fuel tensions, which could easily reignite conflict.
The Human Cost of the Conflict
Sarah Collins: The casualties on both sides are staggering—1,210 Israelis and 47,283 Gazans have been killed. How do these numbers shape the path forward?
Dr. Yara El-Hassan: The human toll is devastating and underscores the urgent need for a lasting resolution. The loss of life, particularly among civilians, has created deep wounds that will take generations to heal. While the ceasefire has allowed some humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, the scale of destruction requires a long-term rebuilding effort. Any future negotiations must prioritize not just political agreements but also the restoration of lives and communities.
escalation in the West Bank
Sarah Collins: Israel has shifted its focus to the occupied West Bank,where operations have reportedly killed 883 Palestinians. How does this impact the broader peace process?
Dr.yara El-Hassan: The escalation in the West Bank is deeply concerning. While Israel claims these operations aim to root out extremism, the widespread destruction and loss of life further alienate the Palestinian population. This not only complicates the peace process but also risks destabilizing the region further. The international community must address this issue urgently to prevent another cycle of violence.
Regional Dynamics: Iran and Saudi Arabia
Sarah Collins: The talks in Washington are also expected to address efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. How significant is this potential shift?
Dr. Yara El-Hassan: Normalizing ties with Saudi Arabia would be a game-changer for regional stability. Both Israel and Saudi Arabia see Iran as a common threat, and a strategic alliance could reshape the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. Though, such a move requires addressing the palestinian issue meaningfully. Without progress on that front, any normalization efforts would face significant resistance from the Arab world.
Conclusion
Sarah Collins: Thank you,Dr. El-Hassan, for your insightful analysis.It’s clear that while the ceasefire in gaza offers a glimmer of hope, the path to lasting peace is fraught with challenges. addressing the humanitarian crisis, de-escalating tensions in the West Bank, and fostering regional cooperation will be key to building a more stable and secure future for all parties involved.
