Netanyahu: Trump meeting could help reach Gaza ceasefire deal, as killing continues

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that his meeting with US President Donald Trump "may contribute" to reaching a ceasefire agreement on Gaza, as the death toll in the enclave continues to rise.

Speaking to reporters before boarding his flight to Washington, Netanyahu said: "We are working to finalise the agreement that has been discussed, according to the terms we have agreed upon. I have sent a negotiating team with clear instructions, and I believe that the conversation with President Trump can certainly help advance this goal that we all hope for."

The visit comes amid a major US diplomatic push to secure a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.

According to Israeli newspaper Maariv, the plan includes the phased release of Israeli prisoners held by Hamas, renewed humanitarian aid access, and - most significantly - a transition to talks aimed at ending the war. The final clause reportedly reflects Trump's ambition to launch a wider regional political dialogue beyond Gaza.

Maariv described the visit - Netanyahu's third to Washington in six months - as markedly different from earlier ones.

"This is not just another friendly showcase or declaration of unity," the paper wrote. "Behind the visit lies a tightly organised American plan, a resolute president, and pressure from all sides - the likes of which we haven’t seen in a long time."

Sources cited by Hebrew-language site Walla said Trump is seeking understanding with Netanyahu on the "day after" scenario in Gaza - who governs the territory once hostilities cease. The issue has already been discussed in talks between Israeli Minister Ron Dermer and US envoy Steve Witkoff.

Netanyahu has ruled out both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority from any post-war governing role.

Meanwhile, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed in Doha on Sunday. A Palestinian source told AFP the talks are focused on implementation mechanisms for any deal and a potential prisoner exchange. 

However, the first session ended without a breakthrough. Two Palestinian officials told Reuters the Israeli delegation "is not sufficiently authorised to reach an agreement and does not have real powers".

Israeli media reported Sunday that Netanyahu had received a detailed report on the medical condition of all 20 Israeli hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza. A joint committee comprising the Israeli health ministry and military intelligence is assessing their health to determine who should be prioritised for release under the terms of the proposed deal.

According to The Times of Israel, the current draft of the agreement envisions a staggered release: eight living hostages on day one, two more by day 50, and the remaining ten if a permanent ceasefire is reached by day sixty. Eighteen deceased hostages would also be returned in stages throughout the truce period.

Speaking ahead of the meeting with Netanyahu, Trump said there was a "good chance" of securing a deal this week or the following week.

"We have already succeeded in getting many hostages out," he said. "But regarding the remaining hostages, a fair number of them will be released. We expect that to happen this week."

However, critics have urged caution over the prospects of a ceasefire, citing Netanyahu’s past resistance to truce efforts and mounting pressure from far-right members of his coalition to prolong the war.

Israel's war on Gaza has devastated the Palestinian territory, with at least 57,418 people killed, the vast majority of whom are innocent civilians.