Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Washington next week following an invitation from US President Donald Trump. According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the meeting is scheduled for February 4 at the White House and will primarily focus on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The initial phase of the ceasefire commenced on January 19 and is intended to last six weeks. Talks regarding subsequent phases will begin after 16 days, aiming to discuss the release of remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza and further reduction of Israeli military presence in the area.
Netanyahu faces pressure from right-wing coalition members to renew military actions in Gaza after this initial ceasefire phase, as reported by Xinhua. Sources from Kan TV indicate that the White House is readying an incentive package designed to persuade Netanyahu to continue with the accord. This package may include sanctions against the International Criminal Court in The Hague, which had issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu in late November on allegations of “crimes against humanity and war crimes” during the Gaza conflict.
In related developments, the Israeli government announced that Hamas is set to release six hostages this week, while Israel will permit Palestinians in Gaza to return to their homes in the northern region. The Prime Minister’s office noted that “after intense negotiations led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Hamas has agreed to carry out an additional phase of hostage releases this Thursday.”