President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are sitting down in Washington today, aiming to hammer out the details of a U.S.-drafted 21-point proposal that could finally halt the war in Gaza and outline what comes next for the devastated territory. The meeting, their fourth this year, comes at a time when pressure is mounting from Western leaders and much of the international community for a ceasefire and a clear path forward.
Trump has been bullish about the prospects for peace, telling NBC News before the talks, “It looks like there is a really good chance for peace in the Middle East.” On Truth Social, he doubled down, promising, “we will get it done,” and teasing that “something special” is in the works for the region. His optimism stands in contrast to the more reserved tone from Netanyahu, who told Fox News, “We’re working with President Trump’s team,” but clarified, “It’s not been finalized yet.” Netanyahu did, however, reveal that he is seriously considering the proposal, saying, “I hope we can make it a go.”
Ceasefire Plan Details and Hostage Talks
The U.S. 21-point plan, which has not been made public in full, is focused on ending the Israeli offensive in Gaza, facilitating the release of all Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, and mapping out post-war governance for the Strip. Hamas, for its part, issued a statement on Sunday denying that it had received any new proposals, even as Trump insisted, “Hamas is very much aware of these discussions, and Israel has been informed at all levels.”
The urgency is underscored by grim numbers on the ground. Israeli forces killed at least 77 people in the last 24 hours, pushing the war’s death toll in Gaza to a staggering 66,000, according to Palestinian officials. The Israel Defense Forces continue their operations in Gaza City, the largest urban center in the enclave, despite a growing international outcry.
International Pressure and Political Stakes
Trump’s latest peace push follows a week of significant diplomatic maneuvering. At the U.N. General Assembly in New York, he presented the plan to Arab leaders and left “more optimistic” after the talks, according to a White House official. Meanwhile, Israel’s international isolation has deepened, with Britain, France, and other European countries announcing their recognition of a Palestinian state—moves made over Israeli objections.
The stakes are high for both leaders. Trump has vowed not to allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank, a red line for many Palestinians and a sticking point in talks. For Netanyahu, agreeing to any ceasefire or post-war arrangement is fraught with political risk at home, especially as his government faces criticism for its handling of the war and its diplomatic fallout.
As Trump and Netanyahu meet behind closed doors, the world waits to see whether this high-stakes gambit can finally bring a measure of peace to Gaza—or whether the conflict, now in its second year, will grind on.
