Washington, February 3(H.S.): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in America on an important diplomatic visit, where he will meet President Donald Trump. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 4 at the White House and the two leaders are expected to discuss regional security, Gaza ceasefire and strategic cooperation.
Before departing, Netanyahu said the visit was an opportunity to further strengthen Israel-US ties. Issues such as lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, curbing Iran’s growing influence and further strengthening diplomatic ties with Arab countries will be discussed during the meeting.
The timing of this meeting is also special because talks on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire are about to begin soon. Earlier accords included a swap of hostages, raising hopes of advancing the peace process.
Hamas, which regained control of the Gaza Strip after a ceasefire took effect last month, has said it will release the hostages in a second phase only after the end of the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces.There have been four prisoner swaps so far under the Gaza ceasefire agreement that took effect on January 19. Meanwhile, Hamas has released Israeli hostages, in return for which Israel has released Palestinian prisoners.
The meeting with Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday will be Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader after being elected president.
Hindusthan Samachar
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