In a bid to halt the ongoing violence in Gaza, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened for a second meeting in as many days at the White House. The discussions, centered on brokering a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, come amid a backdrop of escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns in the region.

Diplomatic Efforts Intensify

The meetings, which included Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, highlighted a narrowing of differences between Israel and Hamas, with only one major issue remaining unresolved. Witkoff expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement, stating, "We had four issues and now we're down to one." The proposed deal also involves the release of 10 hostages and the return of nine deceased bodies.

Qatar's Role in Mediation

Qatar, playing a crucial mediating role, has tempered expectations for a swift resolution. Majed Al-Ansari, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, emphasized the need for more time, stating, "I don’t think that I can give any timeline at the moment." The indirect talks, which began on Sunday, have yet to yield a breakthrough, according to Palestinian officials involved in the negotiations.

Continued Violence in Gaza

Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation on the ground remains dire. Israeli airstrikes have continued, with recent attacks resulting in significant casualties. Gaza’s civil defense agency reported multiple deaths, including children, as a result of these strikes. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields, a claim Hamas denies.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The humanitarian impact of the conflict is severe, with thousands displaced and critical infrastructure damaged. In Khan Younis, a drone strike on a camp for displaced people resulted in several fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for a ceasefire. Shaimaa al-Shaer, a resident of the camp, recounted the harrowing experience of an explosion while preparing breakfast for her children.