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📍 Washington, D.C. — July 9, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump stated Wednesday that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is nearing completion, following two days of intensive talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. “We’re getting very close to a deal,” Trump said, adding that negotiations could conclude “this week or next week.”
🕊️ Ceasefire Framework and Hostage Crisis The proposed deal centers on a 60-day ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza. According to Israeli officials, around 50 hostages remain, with at least 20 believed to be alive. Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that negotiations have narrowed to a single unresolved issue, expressing “real hope for a deal by the end of the week.”
Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s objectives:
“We have to finish the job in Gaza, release all our hostages, eliminate and destroy Hamas’ military and governance capabilities.”
🗣️ Diplomatic Positions and Regional Dynamics At a White House dinner earlier in the week, Trump praised regional cooperation on Palestinian relocation efforts and deferred to Netanyahu on the two-state solution, saying “I don’t know.” Netanyahu responded that Palestinians should govern themselves but not possess the power to threaten Israel, asserting that security sovereignty must remain with Israel.
💥 Humanitarian Toll and Stalemate The war, which began with Hamas’ October 2023 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages, has resulted in over 57,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN estimates nearly half a million residents face starvation, with most of Gaza’s 2 million people displaced.
Despite mounting international pressure, Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire before releasing hostages, while Israel refuses to end the war until all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled.
For further details, see Mint and Menafn.
