Trump says talks on Middle East with Israel and others 'progressing'

AFP , Monday 3 Feb 2025

US President Donald Trump said that talks with Israel and other countries on the Middle East were "progressing," ahead of discussions in Washington on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire.

US
File photo : US President Donald Trump walks to speak to reporters in Washington, DC. AFP


"The discussions on the Middle East with Israel and various other countries are progressing. Bibi (Benjamin) Netanyahu's coming on Tuesday, and I think we have some very big meetings scheduled," Trump told reporters, referring to the Israeli prime minister.

Netanyahu is expected to begin talks Monday on brokering a second phase of the ceasefire with Hamas, his office said, as he visits the new Trump administration in Washington.

Ahead of his departure, Netanyahu told reporters he would discuss "victory over Hamas", contending with Iran and freeing all captives when he meets with President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

It will be Trump's first meeting with a foreign leader since returning to the White House in January, a prioritisation Netanyahu called "telling".

"I think it's a testimony to the strength of the Israeli-American alliance," he said before boarding his flight.

He was welcomed to the US capital on Sunday night by Israel's ambassador to the UN Danny Danon, who stressed the coming Trump-Netanyahu meeting would strengthen "the deep alliance between Israel and the United States and will enhance our cooperation".

Netanyahu's office said he would begin discussions with Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff on Monday over terms for the second phase of the truce.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are meanwhile due to resume this week.

The initial, 42-day phase of the deal is due to end next month.

The next stage is expected to cover the release of the remaining captives and to include discussions on a more permanent end to the war.

 

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