Netanyahu and Trump prioritize Gaza hostages and cease-fire during US visit

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump focused on efforts to free hostages held in Gaza, and stressed his determination to "eliminate" the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas.

Netanyahu added that the leaders discussed the consequences and possibilities of "the great victory we achieved over Iran," during his third U.S. visit since Trump began his second term on Jan. 20.

Trump met Netanyahu on Tuesday for the second time in two days to discuss the situation in Gaza, as the president's Middle East envoy indicated that Israel and Hamas were nearing an agreement on a cease-fire deal after nearly two years of war.

A delegation from Qatar, the host of indirect talks between Israeli negotiators and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, met senior White House officials before Netanyahu's arrival on Tuesday, Axios said, citing a source familiar with the details.

The White House had no immediate comment on the report.

On the issue of a U.S. guarantee to prevent Israel from resuming the war when the cease-fire comes into effect, a source allegedly told Sky News that a message was conveyed to Hamas by Dr. Bishara Bahbah, a Palestinian-American who has emerged as a key backchannel in the negotiations.

The message appears to have been sufficient to convince Hamas that Trump will ensure Israel does not restart the conflict, according to Sky News.