Trump to Host Netanyahu Amid Gaza Ceasefire Talks and Middle East Tensions
Former President Donald Trump is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and broader Middle East issues. This will be their sixth meeting since Trump returned to office 11 months ago.
Discussion topics are expected to cover Syria's new government, Iranian rearmament efforts, and Hezbollah's role in Lebanon, alongside progress on the Gaza ceasefire.
The US aims for a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire in January, including establishing a Palestinian technocratic government, an international security force, Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction efforts.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening amid winter storms, with hundreds of thousands displaced. The UN reports approximately 100,000 Palestinians living in catastrophic conditions. Tragically, at least three winter-related deaths have occurred, including a two-month-old baby who died from the cold.
Since the ceasefire began 80 days ago, at least 414 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, with three Israeli soldiers also killed. Israel maintains it only fires in response to ceasefire violations. The fate of Ran Gvili's body remains unresolved.
Netanyahu faces pressure to adopt a softer approach toward the Palestinians. He reportedly insists Hamas must disarm before any Israeli withdrawal, while Hamas demands disarmament coincide with progress toward an independent Palestinian state.
Israeli Defence Minister Katz asserts that Gaza settlements will be built and there will be no full withdrawal. Some ministers describe West Bank expansion as de facto annexation, which is illegal under international law.
Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio amid discussions possibly including US approval for further Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran is believed to be rearming following the summer conflict, contributing to rising regional tensions.
