Netanyahu Heads to Washington for Talks on Gaza Ceasefire and Prisoner Swap Deal

Netanyahu Heads to Washington for Talks on Gaza Ceasefire and Prisoner Swap Deal

Washington | July 7, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed from Tel Aviv on Sunday en route to the United States, where he is set to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss a proposed ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal regarding the ongoing Gaza conflict.

This marks Netanyahu’s third visit to the U.S. in the past six months and his sixth overall during that period. It is believed he will discuss a new proposal with President Trump aimed at securing a ceasefire and facilitating hostage exchanges.

Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth quoted Netanyahu as saying:
“We are working to reach a deal based on conditions we have already set. I’ve sent a negotiating team with clear directives, and my meeting with President Trump could help move the agreement forward.”

Meanwhile, an Israeli delegation arrived in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday morning for indirect talks with Hamas on the Gaza ceasefire proposal.

Netanyahu emphasized his core commitments:
“My three promises are—bringing back all hostages, whether alive or deceased; dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities and completely removing them from Gaza; and ensuring Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.”

He also acknowledged U.S. support, stating, “Our success against Iran has been possible due to President Trump’s unwavering support—for that, I thank him.”

In an unusual diplomatic gesture, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Mike Huckabee is traveling with Netanyahu on the same flight to Washington.

Details of Hamas’ Positive Response and the Proposed Deal

On Friday night, Hamas issued a statement saying it had delivered a “positive response” to mediators regarding the ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal.

According to Israeli media, the latest proposal includes:

• The release of half of the living Israeli hostages (10 individuals) and half of the bodies of deceased hostages (18 individuals) in two phases over 60 days.

• In return, Israel would release a large number of Palestinian prisoners and begin a partial military withdrawal from specific areas of Gaza.

However, several key issues remain unresolved:

• Hamas demands UN supervision of humanitarian aid deliveries.

• Hamas seeks guarantees that no further attacks will follow after the 60-day ceasefire.

• The group also insists on transparency regarding the list of prisoners to be released.

On the other hand, Israel is demanding the disarmament of Hamas and the exile of its leadership from Gaza—conditions that Hamas has firmly rejected.

Allegations of War Crimes and International Legal Actions

Despite repeated calls from the international community for a ceasefire, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, widely described as genocidal. Since the war began in October 2023, more than 57,400 Palestinians have been killed—most of them women and children.

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the war in Gaza.