Trump Pressures Israel on Gaza Ceasefire Amid Netanyahu Trial

US President Donald Trump is actively pushing for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, urging progress amid ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Plans for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Washington signal potential momentum towards a deal, although key issues like hostage arrangements and permanent war guarantees remain unresolved. Trump has publicly condemned Netanyahu's corruption trial as a 'political witch hunt,' arguing that the trial threatens peace efforts and calling for its cancellation. This intervention has sparked criticism from Israeli opposition politicians, who accuse Netanyahu of leveraging the ceasefire negotiations to halt his prosecution, thereby risking Israel's national security. Israeli and US officials are cautiously optimistic about ending the war and securing hostage releases but acknowledge significant challenges ahead. The Trump administration's approach emphasizes ending the Gaza war swiftly while suggesting that dismantling Hamas can be addressed subsequently.