Trump Hosts Netanyahu at White House, Urges End to Gaza War Amid Ceasefire Push

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for dinner at the White House on Monday, using the meeting to press for an end to the devastating war in Gaza, now entering its 22nd month.

The visit — Netanyahu’s third since Trump’s return to power — came as indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas continued in Doha, Qatar. Trump expressed optimism about progress, citing recent momentum from a temporary Israel-Iran truce.

“I don’t think there is a hold-up. I think things are going along very well,” Trump said, adding that Hamas “wants to meet and they want to have that ceasefire.”

Despite Trump’s hopeful tone, Palestinian officials confirmed that Monday’s negotiations ended without a breakthrough.

Netanyahu Nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

During the White House dinner, Netanyahu presented Trump with a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his efforts to broker peace in multiple regions.

“He’s forging peace as we speak,” Netanyahu said.

However, the Israeli leader was non-committal on Palestinian statehood, saying Israel would always retain security control over Gaza.

“Now, people will say it’s not a complete state, it’s not a state. We don’t care,” he added.

Push for Ceasefire, Hostage Deal

The White House reiterated that Trump’s top priority in the Middle East is halting the war and securing the return of all hostages.

“The utmost priority… is to end the war in Gaza and to return all of the hostages,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, noting that Trump was urging Hamas to accept a U.S.-brokered proposal “right now.”

Under the plan, Hamas would release 10 living hostages and several bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, during a 60-day truce, according to Palestinian sources. The group also demanded conditions for an Israeli withdrawal, assurances against renewed fighting, and restoration of UN-led aid distribution.

Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to join the talks in Doha later this week.

War’s Human Cost Mounts

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. On Monday, at least 12 Palestinians, including six sheltering in a clinic, were reportedly killed by Israeli strikes, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency.

Since Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,219 Israelis dead, Israel’s response has killed at least 57,523 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry — figures the UN deems credible.

Of the 251 hostages taken during the Hamas assault, 49 remain in captivity, including 27 believed dead, according to the Israeli military.

Protests and Polarization

Outside the White House, dozens of protesters gathered during the Trump-Netanyahu dinner, accusing the Israeli leader of genocide. Trump has consistently backed Netanyahu, including authorizing U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites earlier in the conflict.

Still, the president now appears determined to bring the war to a close, calling the situation in Gaza a “hell” and saying he sees a “good chance” of reaching an agreement in the coming week.

As diplomatic efforts continue in Doha, the path to a lasting ceasefire — and relief for millions in Gaza — remains uncertain.