Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited to visit the White House on Feb. 4 by President Donald Trump, making him the first foreign leader to visit Washington in Trump's second term. The visit is scheduled as the United States urges Israel and Hamas to uphold a ceasefire that has halted a devastating 15-month war in Gaza. Talks regarding the ceasefire's second phase are set to commence on Feb. 3.
President Trump hinted at the upcoming visit during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, without providing specific details. Netanyahu is expected to leverage this meeting to highlight the support he has received from Trump over the years and to advocate for the continuation of weapons deliveries to Israel. Additionally, Netanyahu is likely to seek Trump's assistance in exerting pressure on Iran and facilitating a historic normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Since the ceasefire agreement, over 375,000 Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza, representing a significant portion of those who fled during the war's onset. Many Palestinians are now witnessing the aftermath of the conflict and are determined to rebuild their lives, even amidst the destruction.
Under the ceasefire deal, the release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody is set to occur in stages. The first phase of the ceasefire will see the release of 33 hostages and over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Tragically, it was confirmed that eight of the hostages to be freed are deceased, bringing sorrow to their families.
Humanitarian aid continues to flow into Gaza under the ceasefire, with approximately 4,200 trucks carrying aid entering the region in the past week alone. The agreement stipulates that 600 trucks of aid are to be delivered daily.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas war, visit AP's war coverage.
