Trump to meet Netanyahu in Florida as focus turns to Middle East issues

December 29, 2025

President Donald Trump is meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida to discuss critical Middle East issues, marking their sixth meeting since Trump returned to office. The main focus will be on the stalled Gaza ceasefire deal, which has seen continued Israeli military operations resulting in over 400 Palestinian deaths since its implementation 80 days ago, while displaced Palestinians endure harsh winter conditions in inadequate shelter. The ceasefire agreement calls for progressing to a second phase involving Palestinian governance, international security forces, Hamas disarmament, and Israeli troop withdrawal, but Netanyahu's government has resisted key provisions including Palestinian statehood and full military withdrawal from Gaza.

Who is affected

Displaced Palestinians in Gaza living in tents during winter storms
A two-month-old baby and two others who died from severe cold weather
At least 414 Palestinians killed by Israeli military since the ceasefire began
Three Israeli soldiers killed in attacks during the ceasefire period
Hamas officials and fighters
The family of Ran Gvili, whose body remains unreturned by Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government ministers
US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Iranian government and military forces
Syria's new government
Hezbollah in Lebanon
UN and aid agencies operating in Gaza
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank facing settlement expansion

What action is being taken

Storms are lashing Gaza
Israeli military continues near-daily deadly attacks in Gaza despite the ceasefire
Israel is restricting full access to basic supplies and equipment according to UN and aid agencies
Israeli ministers are expanding settlements in the West Bank (described as de facto annexation)
Trump administration is mediating the ceasefire implementation
The Israeli military is controlling more than half of Gaza
Israel is waiting for Hamas to return the body of Ran Gvili

Why it matters

This meeting represents a critical test of the US-Israel relationship and could determine the trajectory of the entire Middle East region. The stalled Gaza ceasefire threatens to collapse completely, with hundreds of Palestinians continuing to die despite the declared peace agreement, while displaced civilians suffer in humanitarian crisis conditions during winter storms. The fundamental disagreement between the ceasefire's provisions—including Palestinian statehood aspirations and Israeli military withdrawal—and Netanyahu's government's stated positions creates an impasse that only US intervention may resolve. Additionally, the meeting's outcomes could affect broader regional stability issues including potential Israeli strikes on Iran, the role of Syria's new government, and whether illegal annexation of the West Bank proceeds, all of which have implications for international law and long-term peace prospects.

What's next

Trump administration wants the ceasefire to progress to its second phase in January
The second phase would involve establishing a Palestinian technocratic government
Deployment of an international security force is planned
Hamas would disarm under the agreement
Israeli troops would withdraw from Gaza
Reconstruction of Gaza would begin
Netanyahu may attempt to rediscuss annexing the occupied West Bank during the meeting
Netanyahu is expected to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Israel may seek US permission for further military strikes on Iran

Read full article from source: BBC