The recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again brought the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into the global spotlight. With the ongoing war in Gaza, thousands of civilian casualties, and a fragile ceasefire hanging in the balance, the world is watching closely to see whether this high-profile discussion will lead to meaningful progress or further escalation. The critical questions remain: Will this meeting contribute to lasting peace? Can the ceasefire hold? And what must both sides do to prevent more bloodshed?
Trump’s presidency was marked by a strong pro-Israel stance, including the controversial recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the brokering of the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and some Arab states. However, these moves largely sidelined the Palestinians, deepening their sense of abandonment. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has consistently pursued hardline policies, including expanding settlements in the West Bank and rejecting the two-state solution.
Given this history, the latest Trump-Netanyahu meeting raises skepticism. While both leaders may seek to project an image of strength and diplomacy, past actions suggest that their approach risks further alienating Palestinians rather than fostering genuine dialogue. Without addressing the root causes of the conflict—Palestinian statehood, illegal settlements, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—any discussions risk being superficial.
The current ceasefire is fragile. Hamas and Israel have engaged in multiple wars, each followed by temporary truces that eventually collapse. For any ceasefire to last, several factors must be addressed:
The U.S. remains the most influential mediator in this conflict. However, its credibility is damaged if it is seen as unconditionally supporting Israel. A balanced approach—pressuring Israel to moderate its policies while ensuring Hamas is held accountable—is crucial. The international community must also step up, providing not just aid but diplomatic pressure to enforce peace.
What Both Sides Must Do to Avoid More Casualties
1: Halt Settlement Expansion – Continued construction in the West Bank undermines any possibility of a future Palestinian state.
2: End Indiscriminate Bombing – While Israel has the right to defend itself, the scale of civilian deaths in Gaza is unacceptable. 3: Precision strikes, rather than blanket bombardment, must be prioritized.
4: Engage in Direct Talks – Refusing to negotiate with Palestinian representatives only prolongs the conflict.
Hamas and Palestinian Leadership’s Responsibilities:
1: Stop Rocket Attacks – Indiscriminate firing at Israeli civilians only invites devastating retaliation.
2: Reject Extremism – Hamas must move away from its charter calling for Israel’s destruction and accept a two-state solution.
3: Reform Governance – Corruption and infighting within Palestinian leadership have weakened their position. Unity and transparency are essential for credible negotiations.
The Trump-Netanyahu meeting could either reignite stalled peace efforts or become another missed opportunity. If both leaders are serious about peace, they must push for immediate humanitarian measures, enforce the ceasefire, and commit to long-term political solutions. Otherwise, this meeting will be just another photo-op—while civilians on both sides continue to pay the price.
The choice is clear: pursue a just and lasting peace, or condemn another generation to war. The world is watching.
