Sep 29, Kathmandu - U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the initiation of high-level negotiations aimed at advancing a peace plan for Gaza. The President made this declaration during a welcoming ceremony for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday.

Last week, following discussions with Arab leaders, President Trump claimed that a nearly two-year-long Gaza conflict was nearing resolution. He stated that agreements to end hostilities, free hostages held by Hamas, and disarm Palestinian militant groups are effectively progressing.

Writing on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed enthusiasm, saying, “All parties are moving in the same direction for the first time. We will achieve this.”

However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu appeared less optimistic about recent developments. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, he reaffirmed his commitment to achieving “the final goal” against Hamas and announced plans to halt the recognition of a Palestinian state.

There has been no indication from Netanyahu to suggest a halt to the ongoing military operations in Gaza, which has resulted in the displacement of millions of civilians.

This visit to the White House marks Netanyahu’s fourth trip since President Trump’s re-election. Trump, who claims he can resolve the conflict within days, has been pushing diplomatic efforts forward. Nonetheless, Trump, often regarded as a staunch supporter of Netanyahu, has recently expressed dissatisfaction with certain developments.

He previously warned Netanyahu against annexing parts of the West Bank and criticized Israeli attacks on Hamas members in Qatar.

According to Nathan Sacks, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, Netanyahu’s primary goal is to continue the war and defeat Hamas. However, Sacks noted that with sufficient pressure and a clear strategy from President Trump, Netanyahu could be persuaded otherwise.

Both leaders are scheduled to hold a joint press conference at 1:15 p.m. Eastern Time (17:15 GMT) on Monday.

Last week, Trump appeared more optimistic after discussions with Arab and Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. An American-led 21-point proposal was reportedly drafted, which includes demilitarization of Hamas, the release of all hostages, and a ceasefire.

Some media reports have even suggested that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair could be proposed to lead a “Gaza International Transitional Authority.” This authority would initially oversee governance with support from the United Nations and Gulf countries, eventually transferring authority to an improved Palestinian administration.

However, Netanyahu rejected the role of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza during his UN address. In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, he expressed deep skepticism about the possibility of a permanent coexistence with Israel under a reformed PA.

The Gaza conflict began on October 7, 2023, following a brutal attack by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians — the deadliest day in Israel’s history. Since then, Israeli military operations have claimed the lives of over 65,549 Palestinians, most of whom are civilians, according to credible UN estimates.