Trump Acknowledges Uncertainty Over Gaza Ceasefire Ahead of Netanyahu Meeting
In a candid press briefing at the White House on Monday, March 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump admitted he has no “guarantees” that the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will hold. The president’s remarks came ahead of a highly anticipated meeting wiht Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, where the two leaders are expected to discuss the second phase of the truce agreement, which includes the release of all Israeli hostages in Gaza.
“There are no guarantees to stay. I have seen mistreatment as never before. No one has seen anything like that. No, I have no guarantees that peace will be maintained,” Trump told reporters. He also drew a striking comparison, noting that Israel is “certainly a small country in terms of territory,” likening its size to his “wonderful pen,” while describing the Middle East as comparable to the expanse of his desk.
Trump’s envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who played a pivotal role in brokering the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, echoed the president’s cautious optimism. “It remains until now, and we certainly have hope, and that is the president’s order: to take out the hostages, save lives and arrive, hopefully, to a peaceful resolution of all this,” Witkoff stated.
Netanyahu Extends U.S. Visit Amid High-Stakes Diplomacy
Prime Minister Netanyahu,who was initially scheduled to return to Israel by Thursday,has extended his visit to the United States until Saturday. The decision comes in response to a packed agenda of meetings with U.S. officials, including Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Heghseth, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
On Thursday, Netanyahu is also set to meet with American senators and congressmen, including leaders from both chambers. According to Israeli press reports, Trump has already made it clear to Netanyahu that he dose not want Israel to resume fighting in Gaza once the first phase of the truce concludes.
However, tensions within Netanyahu’s coalition government could complicate matters.Key figures like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a prominent ultra-rightist, have warned that the government is prepared to act unilaterally if the prime minister fails to resume military operations in Gaza after the truce ends.
Key points at a Glance
| topic | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Ceasefire Uncertainty | Trump admits no guarantees for maintaining peace in Gaza. |
| Trump-Netanyahu Meeting | Focus on second phase of truce and hostage release. |
| Netanyahu’s Extended visit | Meetings with U.S. officials extended until Saturday. |
| Coalition Tensions | Ultra-rightist ministers threaten action if fighting does not resume. |
A Fragile Path Forward
As the world watches, the stakes could not be higher. The ceasefire, brokered after weeks of intense negotiations, remains fragile. Trump’s acknowledgment of the uncertainty underscores the complexity of the situation, while Netanyahu’s extended visit highlights the urgency of diplomatic efforts.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether the truce holds and whether a lasting resolution to the conflict can be achieved. For now, all eyes are on Washington, where the fate of Gaza—and the broader Middle East—hangs in the balance.
What’s next? Stay updated on the latest developments in U.S.-Israel relations and the Gaza ceasefire by following our live coverage.
