ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Updated:

US President Donald Trump said Sunday he hoped talks for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas would be "straightened out" this week.

The US is backing a 60-day ceasefire with a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza, and talks to end the conflict.

Trump told reporters, "We are talking and hopefully we're going to get that straightened out over the next week."

On Tuesday night, following a dinner at the White House in Washington, Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a second meeting, The Jerusalem Post previously reported. 

Later, Netanyahu disclosed that the meeting with Trump was focused on efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages held captive in Gaza and to destroy Hamas's military capabilities.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu sits next to his wife, Sara, at a dinner with US President Donald Trump at the White House last week. There’s no clearer picture today on the hostages than before the visit, says the writer.
PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu sits next to his wife, Sara, at a dinner with US President Donald Trump at the White House last week. There’s no clearer picture today on the hostages than before the visit, says the writer. (credit: KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS)

Netanyahu discussed Gaza hostages with Trump, Vance

"I had another meeting today with President Trump at the White House, and afterwards, a short meeting with Vice President [JD] Vance," the Post quoted.

Netanyahu said, "We focused on efforts to release our hostages."

"We are determined to achieve all our goals: the release of all our hostages, the destruction of Hamas's military and governmental capabilities, and thereby ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," the prime minister said of Gaza.