U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on Monday evening as international pressure grows for Washington to broker an end to the devastating war on the besieged Gaza Strip.

The meeting included U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Steve Witkoff, who expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement. "Hamas is ready to negotiate and wants a ceasefire," Trump stated during a press conference. "I don't see any obstacles - things are moving along well."

Witkoff added: "We finally have an opportunity to achieve a peace agreement for Gaza."

White House Spokesperson Caroline Laffitte earlier told reporters the leaders would discuss "positive developments in the Middle East." This marks Netanyahu's third White House visit since Trump's reelection.

The meeting followed Trump's July 1 announcement of Israel's agreement to a 60-day humanitarian pause in Gaza, potentially paving the way to end the conflict that began in October 2023. "Our representatives held productive, lengthy talks with Israeli officials today," Trump posted on Truth Social. "They've accepted terms for a 60-day ceasefire."