Gaza’s Future on the Line as Trump Pushes Reluctant Netanyahu Toward Peace

The White House is set to become the stage for a critical diplomatic push on Monday, as President Donald Trump hosts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks centered on a U.S.-led Gaza peace plan. The proposal seeks a definitive end to the nearly two-year war by securing the freedom of all hostages and ensuring the disarmament of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that governs the besieged strip.
President Trump has been actively building momentum for the deal, engaging with Arab leaders last week to finalize the terms. His optimism was evident in a recent social media post where he declared something “special” was imminent. The reported 21-point plan is the culmination of these efforts, aiming to establish a lasting ceasefire and a new governing structure for a post-war Gaza.
However, Prime Minister Netanyahu appears to be on a different path. His recent address at the UN General Assembly reiterated his determination to achieve a total military victory over Hamas. This stance creates a potential clash with Trump, who has recently shown signs of frustration with his Israeli counterpart, warning him against annexing the West Bank and criticizing a recent strike in Qatar.
The stakes are deeply personal for many, especially the families of Israeli hostages. They have publicly urged Trump to stand firm on his proposed deal and resist any attempts at “sabotage.” Their emotional appeal underscores the urgency of finding a diplomatic solution to a conflict that has caused immense suffering on both sides since it began in October 2023.
The central question, according to regional experts like Natan Sachs, is whether Trump’s diplomatic pressure can sway Netanyahu from his military-first approach. The success of the summit may determine not only the fate of the ceasefire but also the viability of establishing a Gaza International Transitional Authority, a UN-backed body that would pave the way for a reformed Palestinian Authority to eventually take control—a prospect Netanyahu remains deeply skeptical of.