The second phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is set to begin, with negotiations resuming on Monday, 3 February. This follows a weekend of further prisoner exchanges. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Washington, becoming the first foreign leader to be received by Donald Trump since his inauguration—an indication of the unwavering alliance between the two nations.
This visit coincides with renewed negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, aimed at securing the release of remaining prisoners and ending the war on Gaza. “I believe we can strengthen security, expand the circle of peace, and achieve a remarkable era of stability,” Netanyahu stated before departing for the US.
During his Washington visit, Netanyahu is set to meet with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East. Witkoff will later hold talks with Qatar’s Prime Minister and high-ranking Egyptian officials to advance the mediation process. Trump has expressed optimism, starting on Sunday that discussions with Israel and other Middle Eastern countries are making progress. After Netanyahu, he is scheduled to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II on 11 February.
Trump’s return to the White House has been marked by controversial policies, including his proposal to “simply clean up” Gaza by forcibly relocating Palestinians to “safer” places like Egypt or Jordan—an idea met with international condemnation. He has also resumed the supply of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, reversing Joe Biden’s previous suspension, and lifted financial sanctions on Israeli settlers accused of violence against Palestinians.
Netanyahu’s visit comes at a time when his government faces internal divisions over the ceasefire. While Trump seeks to stabilise the region and focus on broader strategic priorities, including forming an anti-Iran coalition, parts of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition demand a return to full-scale combat. Far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich has even threatened to withdraw from the government if fighting does not resume immediately, potentially collapsing Netanyahu’s ruling coalition.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its military operations in the occupied West Bank, with an extensive raid in Jenin on Sunday, during which numerous buildings were destroyed. The Israeli army claims to have killed over 50 “terrorists” in the West Bank since 14 January.
Source : Safa News
