‘The War Has Exhausted Itself’: Trump Urges Netanyahu to Halt Gaza Genocide
Trump has reportedly urged Netanyahu to end the war on Gaza, citing its futility, as Israel signals limited progress in prisoner exchange talks.
Israeli sources revealed on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war on the Gaza Strip, arguing that the military campaign is “exhausting itself”.
This development came as Netanyahu announced “significant” progress in ongoing prisoner exchange negotiations.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, Trump made the request during a phone call with Netanyahu on Monday, stressing that the war in Gaza had run its course. The channel reported that Trump emphasized the need to bring the war to an end—not only through proposals made by his envoy Steve Witkoff, but through direct action by the Israeli government.
Trump reportedly added that ending the war would also support broader diplomatic efforts, including negotiations with Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the prime minister held a high-level meeting with the defense minister, the strategic affairs minister, and the army chief of staff to discuss the latest developments in the negotiations.
In a video statement, Netanyahu, who is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court, said there had been “meaningful” movement on a potential prisoner swap deal.
“It is too soon to give people hope, but we are currently working ceaselessly on it,” he said. “There is an opportunity, there are contacts, and there are developments,” an Israeli official told the Jerusalem Post.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed the cautiously optimistic tone at a press conference, saying, “Some progress has been made recently. But based on past experience, I prefer not to overstate it.” He declined to offer further details.
Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported that the Israeli security cabinet is expected to convene on Thursday to assess the status of the negotiations and discuss a possible ceasefire.
The meeting, according to political sources, follows what they described as “cautious but genuine progress” in internationally mediated talks.
Prisoners’ Families Respond
Meanwhile, families of the Israeli captives released a statement sharply criticizing Netanyahu’s handling of the situation.
“There is no need for new inventions. A comprehensive agreement is already on the table, and Netanyahu could sign it tomorrow if he chose to,” they said. “We are tired of media maneuvers and false promises. We hope to finally hear good news and that Netanyahu will find the courage to choose the only path that could lead to victory.”
The families emphasized that “the overwhelming majority of the Israeli public supports an agreement that ensures the return of the abductees—even if it means ending the war.” They demanded the unconditional return of all captives, “without discrimination, classification, or separating one blood group from another.”
In early March, the first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel concluded. The deal, brokered by Egypt and Qatar and backed by the United States, took effect on January 19, 2025.
Israel’s Coalition Verges on Collapse Again, but Netanyahu Will Put Up a Fight
While Hamas reportedly fulfilled its obligations during the first phase, Netanyahu walked back on the second phase under pressure from extremist factions in his coalition, according to Hebrew media.
Israel estimates that 56 Israeli captives remain in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Hamas has repeatedly stated its willingness to release them all in exchange for a complete cessation of hostilities, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Netanyahu, however, has rejected those terms, introducing new demands such as the disarmament of Palestinian resistance groups and reasserting his plan to reoccupy the Strip.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with full US support, has waged a devastating military campaign in the Gaza Strip, resulting in over 181,000 Palestinians killed or wounded. The vast majority of casualties are women and children. More than 14,000 people remain missing, and hundreds of thousands have been forcibly displaced.
(PC, AJA)