Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on July 1st that he will visit the United States next week to meet with US President Donald Trump. On the same day, Trump stated that he would discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip and the Iranian crisis with Netanyahu, expressing his hope that a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip could be reached at that time.
On July 1st, Netanyahu mentioned that during his upcoming trip to the United States, he will meet with Trump, as well as meet with other American officials including Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Netanyahu noted that there are still “some matters” to be resolved between Israel and the United States regarding trade and other issues.
It is reported that Trump plans to meet with Netanyahu on July 7th. On July 1st, Trump said he would discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip and the Iranian crisis with Netanyahu. When asked about whether Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (Hamas) could reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip before Netanyahu’s visit to the United States, Trump expressed his hope for a ceasefire to be reached sometime next week.
Trump has frequently voiced his concerns over the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip recently. On June 27th, he mentioned that a ceasefire agreement might be reached within a week. On June 28th, Trump stated that negotiations between Israel and Hamas were underway, but neither side had released any information on this matter. On June 29th, Trump once again urged for a ceasefire.
In January this year, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, but the second phase of the ceasefire negotiations has yet to progress. Israel resumed large-scale airstrikes and ground military operations against the Gaza Strip from March 18th, citing Hamas’ refusal to accept the subsequent ceasefire proposals and releases of detained Israeli personnel proposed by the US.