After nearly two years of relentless conflict, the war in Gaza has reached a diplomatic boiling point, culminating in a high-stakes summit at the White House on Monday. President Donald Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a crucial attempt to finally bring an end to the violence that has ravaged the region since October 2023.
The war began with a brutal Hamas terror attack on southern Israel, which claimed the lives of around 1,219 people and saw hundreds taken hostage. Israel’s massive military response has since led to the deaths of over 66,000 Palestinians and a humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions, with the vast majority of Gaza’s population displaced and destitute.
The sheer length and devastation of the war have created immense international pressure for a solution. The U.S. has responded by crafting a comprehensive 21-point peace plan, which President Trump believes has the necessary backing from key Arab states to succeed. The plan aims to trade a ceasefire for the release of all hostages and the disarmament of Hamas.
Despite the diplomatic momentum, Prime Minister Netanyahu has remained focused on a military endgame, vowing to “finish the job” and eradicate Hamas’s capabilities. This sets the stage for a tense negotiation, as the nearly two-year conflict has only deepened the resolve on both sides of the argument over war versus diplomacy.
The White House meeting represents the most significant effort to date to end the protracted conflict. The outcome will determine whether the bloody chapter that began in late 2023 can finally be closed, or if the region is destined for even more fighting and suffering.
Nearly Two Years of War: Gaza Conflict Reaches Diplomatic Boiling Point
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