Former U.S. President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on April 7, 2025, to discuss the ongoing Gaza war and efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. During the meeting, Trump expressed optimism about the conflict’s resolution, stating, “I think the war will stop at some point, that won’t be in the too-distant future.” Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to freeing all hostages.
The leaders revealed that negotiations for a new hostage deal are underway, following a previous agreement during a six-week ceasefire in January. That truce resulted in the release of 33 Israeli hostages, eight of whom were deceased, in exchange for 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu highlighted the agony faced by the remaining hostages and reiterated Israel’s determination to eliminate Hamas’s influence in Gaza.
Trump also revived his controversial proposal for the United States to take control of Gaza post-conflict, suggesting that Palestinians could be relocated to other countries. This idea has faced widespread condemnation, with critics labeling it as ethnic cleansing. Netanyahu referred to the proposal as part of Trump’s “bold vision” for Gaza’s future.
The Gaza war, which began after Hamas’s October 2023 attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Israeli figures report 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken during the initial assault, while Palestinian health authorities estimate over 50,000 fatalities in Gaza since the conflict’s onset.
As global pressure mounts for an end to the violence, Trump and Netanyahu’s discussions signal ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and political challenges in the region. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, but both leaders have expressed hope for progress in the near future.
