Netanyahu looks to Trump for breakthrough in Gaza ceasefire deal
Meanwhile, Hamas said on Friday that it had responded positively to a US-brokered ceasefire proposal. A few days earlier, Trump had announced that Israel agreed "to the necessary conditions to finalise" a 60-day truce.IS A LASTING PEACE WITHIN REACH?Despite the positive signs, challenges remain intact. A Palestinian official linked to Hamas said there were still concerns about humanitarian aid, movement through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, and a clear schedule for Israeli troop withdrawal.In response, Netanyahu's office said in a statement that Hamas' requested changes to the ceasefire proposal were "not acceptable to Israel." Still, the Israeli delegation has gone to Qatar to "continue efforts to secure the return of our hostages based on the Qatari proposal that Israel agreed to."Netanyahu has made it clear in previous statements that Hamas must be disarmed — a demand the group has not agreed to.Netanyahu also said he and Trump would talk about recent events in the region, including the short air war with Iran last month. He said they would work to make sure that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon. "Recent events in the Middle East have opened a window to expand peace," Netanyahu added.FAMILIES OF HOSTAGES CALL FOR PEACE DEALOn Saturday evening, large crowds gathered in Tel Aviv, near the Defence Ministry's headquarters, demanding a ceasefire and the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Many in the crowd carried Israeli flags and photos of the hostages, chanting for peace.The ongoing conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel. According to Israeli officials, around 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage.Since then, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry. The war has left much of Gaza destroyed, displaced nearly all of its population, and caused a major hunger crisis.Roughly 20 hostages are believed to still be alive in Gaza. Some were released through past negotiations, while a few others were rescued in Israeli military operations.- EndsWith inputs from ReutersTune InMust Watch
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