The renewed diplomatic flurry comes amid mounting international pressure to halt the war in Gaza, now in its second year. Prior to Netanyahu’s arrival, Qatari representatives held extensive meetings with senior Biden administration officials, including Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.

Witkoff later confirmed that proximity talks with Hamas—conducted indirectly through Qatari channels—have resolved three of four key issues. “After two days of dialogue, we’re down to one major point. It’s a real opening,” he said. While the specific issue was not disclosed, sources indicated it likely involves guarantees on hostages and a lasting truce mechanism.

Qatar has long played a central role as a go-between in negotiations involving Hamas. Its renewed involvement is seen as vital in bridging the divide between Israeli demands for security and Hamas's calls for Israeli withdrawal and humanitarian guarantees.

Netanyahu Insists on Military Completion, Despite Ceasefire Push

After the Oval Office session, Netanyahu visited Capitol Hill, where he met with Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Addressing reporters, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s campaign in Gaza will not end until its goals are met. “We still have to finish the job—eliminate Hamas’s military and governance capabilities, and bring all our hostages home,” he said.

While the U.S. is cautiously optimistic about the progress, Netanyahu’s remarks suggest Israel is not yet ready to commit to a full ceasefire. The prime minister’s hardline stance may complicate the final stages of the agreement, though back-channel talks remain active.

Netanyahu’s visit is his third to Washington since Trump’s second term began in January. Unlike past visits, the meetings have taken place with minimal press access, underscoring the sensitivity of ongoing discussions.

Hostage Release and Truce Details Under Negotiation

According to officials familiar with the talks, the proposed framework involves a 60-day truce during which Hamas would release multiple hostages—some alive, some deceased—in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and humanitarian guarantees. The timeline is viewed as a potential opening toward a longer-term political process.

Both the U.S. and Qatar have signaled that any ceasefire must include robust monitoring mechanisms to prevent the collapse of the agreement. Israeli officials are reportedly demanding assurances that Hamas will not rearm during the truce, while Hamas is seeking an end to what it describes as collective punishment of Gaza’s civilians.