Trump, Netanyahu to meet as pressure mounts in Gaza ceasefire push

(NewsNation) — The war in Gaza is expected to be front and center Monday as President Donald Trump hosts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for high-stakes talks at the White House.

The meeting comes amid global calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and follows a tense speech from Netanyahu on Friday at the United Nations General Assembly.

On social media Sunday, Trump teased "a chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST."

Netanyahu weighs Gaza ceasefire proposal

The meeting is expected to include a proposed 21-point ceasefire plan, obtained by The Times of Israel. It reportedly outlines terms including the release of all hostages, both living and deceased; an end to Hamas' offensive weapons; and amnesty to those who agree to peaceful coexistence.

While a deal has not been reached, Trump has said he believes they're close.

"It's looking like we have a deal on Gaza," Trump told reporters on Friday before leaving the White House to attend the Ryder Cup tournament in New York. "I think it's a deal that will get the hostages back. It's going to be a deal that will end the war. It's going to be peace."

Trump has said he hopes to parlay a potential ceasefire into broader regional peace and normalization between Israel and its neighbors. However, that plan hinges on a deal being struck with Hamas.

'We need you': Hostage families hope for ceasefire 

The families of Israeli hostages were watching the talks closely as 48 people remain in captivity in Gaza.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents most of the families, has urged Trump to push the ceasefire deal across the finish line.

In a letter ahead of Monday's meeting, the group thanked Trump for his efforts and said it was pleased with his continued support.

“We are grateful, and dependent on your strength and the strength and awesome power of the United States of America,” the group wrote. “Please, Mr. President, don’t stop. We need you. 48 of our loved ones – our fathers, siblings, children – need you. We need our loved ones home.”

Netanyahu has faced criticism from those families, who have argued that the hostages' return is not the top-of-mind concern for the administration.

The group set up a display outside the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv, featuring the message "Don't Be Fooled Again" alongside caricatures of Trump and Netanyahu.

The war in Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas stormed into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Approximately 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, are still being held by Hamas.