U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a private dinner at the White House on the 7th (local time) to discuss Middle East issues, including ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokesperson, noted in a briefing that "President Trump is scheduled to discuss ongoing positive developments in the Middle East during dinner with Prime Minister Netanyahu."
The spokesperson stated, "The ceasefire proposal supported by Israel has been conveyed to Hamas," and expressed hope that "Hamas will accept this proposal."
She emphasized, "The release of all hostages is the president's top priority."
The spokesperson added that Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff will depart for Doha, Qatar, later this week to continue the remaining negotiations.
This visit by Prime Minister Netanyahu marks the third since the beginning of Trump's second term.
When asked if the reason for President Trump choosing a private dinner over an official meeting was because of the sensitivity of the issues being discussed, the White House denied this, but did not explain the specific reasons.
Before leaving Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed optimism that "the meeting with President Trump will help in advancing the ceasefire negotiations."
Meanwhile, Israeli and Hamas delegations began indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, the day before. However, international reports indicate that the two sides failed to narrow their differences and concluded the first meeting.