Netanyahu Leaves Washington Without Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent visit to Washington centered on advancing a U.S.-backed 60-day ceasefire deal with Hamas to end the 21-month war in Gaza, but no definitive agreement was reached despite intense negotiations with President Donald Trump. Netanyahu maintained that Hamas must disarm and uphold Israel's security demands, emphasizing that any truce would be temporary and contingent upon the release of hostages, with further negotiations required for their full freedom. Trump expressed optimism about a ceasefire, viewing it as a key step toward broader Middle East peace efforts, including expanding the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations with Syria. While discussions also touched on reconstruction funding for Gaza through Qatar and other donors once ceasefire terms are set, challenges remain amid ongoing violence and Hamas's resistance to disarmament. Netanyahu also attended a memorial service in Washington for slain Israeli Embassy staffers, highlighting the broader context of antisemitic violence amid the conflict. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, acknowledged progress but stressed that obstacles persist, underscoring the complexity of brokering peace in the region.