As President Donald Trump prepares to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, the families of hostages held in Gaza have issued an urgent appeal for him to secure a proposed peace deal. The White House meeting is a critical juncture in the effort to end the nearly two-year war, with a U.S.-backed plan on the table that promises to free the remaining hostages and disarm Hamas.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum penned an open letter directly to the U.S. president, asking him to “stand firm against any attempts to sabotage the deal.” Their powerful plea adds a layer of moral urgency to the high-stakes diplomatic negotiations, placing the human cost of the conflict at the forefront of the discussions between the two world leaders.
President Trump has been actively promoting the deal, suggesting a historic consensus is forming after his recent talks with Arab leaders. He enthusiastically wrote on Truth Social, “We will get it done!!” This contrasts with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s position, who has maintained a hardline stance, vowing to continue the military offensive in Gaza until Hamas is defeated.
The divergence between the two allies has become more apparent recently. Trump has issued several warnings to Netanyahu, including advising against the annexation of the West Bank and opposing an Israeli strike in Qatar. These moments of friction suggest that Monday’s meeting could involve some of the most frank and difficult conversations the two leaders have ever had.
The proposed 21-point plan not only addresses the immediate crisis but also looks toward the future governance of Gaza. It suggests a UN-supported transitional body, with former UK premier Tony Blair rumored as a potential leader, which would eventually hand power to a reformed Palestinian Authority. However, Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected any role for the PA in Gaza’s future, creating another significant hurdle for Trump to overcome in his quest for a lasting peace.
