Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday (July 9) that his recent discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump were centered on securing the release of hostages held in Gaza, as Israeli airstrikes on the region continued alongside ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Posting on X, Netanyahu said the leaders also talked about the aftermath and opportunities arising from what he called a “major victory over Iran,” referencing last month’s joint aerial offensive by the U.S. and Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.

This marks Netanyahu’s third visit to the U.S. since Trump took office on January 20. He acknowledged that while the military operation in Gaza isn't over, ceasefire talks are actively progressing. Trump and Netanyahu met twice within two days to discuss Gaza, and Trump’s Middle East envoy indicated that a truce between Israel and Hamas could be near after 21 months of conflict.

Hamas official Taher al-Nono described the talks as a “difficult round,” and a source familiar with Hamas’ stance said four days of discussions in Doha had failed to resolve three key issues: ensuring unimpeded humanitarian aid into Gaza, setting withdrawal lines for Israeli forces, and securing guarantees that negotiations would lead to a lasting ceasefire.

According to the source, Israel wants to retain control over about one-third of Gaza, including the strategic Morag Axis between Rafah and Khan Younis. Israel also insists on continuing with the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s aid distribution system, which has been criticized by the UN and aid agencies for being unsafe and linked to at least 613 deaths. While Hamas cites three unresolved issues, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said only one major obstacle remains, expressing hope for a temporary ceasefire by week’s end. The expected deal includes a 60-day truce and the release of 10 living and nine deceased hostages.

Continued Airstrikes: Despite ongoing negotiations, Israeli strikes on Gaza persist. In Khan Younis, the aftermath of a nighttime airstrike revealed a teddy bear amid the debris. Palestinian grandmother Umm Mohammed Shaaban, who lost three grandchildren in the attack, questioned the timing of peace efforts: “Now they want a truce after destroying us?”

In Gaza City, residents dug through rubble from another overnight strike, finding no survivors in a collapsed three-story house. Local man Ahmed al-Nahhal said a fuel shortage was hampering rescue efforts. “We’ve been looking for the children since midnight,” he said. Nearby, grieving families carried shrouded bodies, many of them weeping and kissing the deceased. The conflict began in October 2023 when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages, according to Israeli data. About 50 hostages remain, with 20 believed to be alive.

Israel's response has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and caused widespread destruction. Hamas has maintained that it will not release the remaining hostages until the war ends. Israel, however, refuses to halt its campaign until all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled. The United Nations estimates that over 2 million people in Gaza have been displaced, with nearly half a million at risk of starvation as of May.