Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, photo: Shutterstock
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied international media reports that he discussed with Donald Trump an agreement on a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages. This happened after Axios, citing US sources, reported that such a conversation had taken place.
According to Axios, former US President Donald Trump allegedly contacted Netanyahu on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of a cease-fire agreement in Gaza. However, the Israeli prime minister’s administration strongly denied the reports on Thursday, saying that “contrary to media reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not speak with former President Donald Trump yesterday.”
Axios‘ sources said Trump tried to convince Netanyahu to accept the deal, but the exact content of the conversation remained unclear. Trump’s campaign has not officially commented on the situation.
The news caused a stir because Netanyahu recently visited the United States, where he held meetings with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Egypt, the US and Qatar are preparing for a new round of Gaza ceasefire talks scheduled for Thursday.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation remains tense. Hamas has previously said it will not participate in new ceasefire talks, although mediators hope to continue consultations with Palestinian groups.
The threat of a wider conflict in the Middle East remains real after the recent assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, who vowed revenge against Israel.
