Families of Israeli, US hostages urge Trump to pressure Netanyahu during Middle East visit

As US President Donald Trump prepares for his Middle East trip, families of Israeli and US hostages in Gaza are quietly urging him to pressure Netanyahu to end the conflict and secure their release.

In recent weeks, President Trump has seemed less engaged in trying to resolve the Gaza conflict, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Earlier this year, he publicly shared his vision of turning Gaza into a “Gaza Riviera” once Palestinians were relocated to other countries, a statement that has raised eyebrows as the situation on the ground remains dire. 

When Netanyahu visited the White House in April, the meeting was seen by some observers in Israel as awkward for the prime minister, who appeared notably subdued.

Despite Trump’s support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, including the prime minister’s conduct of the war, some believe that Netanyahu’s political resolve may not bend easily, especially when it comes to ending the conflict before Hamas is completely dismantled and all hostages are freed. 

Mike Evans, a long-time acquaintance of Netanyahu, expressed doubt that the Israeli leader would concede to US pressure to end the military campaign prematurely.

“Does Netanyahu believe that Hamas is going to give him all the hostages if they pull out of Gaza?” Evans asked. “I don’t think he believes it for a moment.”

By Naila Huseynova