Netanyahu called Trump and thanked him for his help on Gaza deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a telephone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump and thanked him for his help in reaching a deal on Gaza. An advisor to the Prime Minister's Office, Dmitry Gindelman, said on January 16.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump. The Prime Minister thanked US President-elect Trump for his help in advancing the release of hostages," the advisor said in a message on his Telegram channel.

It is specified that Netanyahu also supported Trump's statement that the US will work together with Israel to maintain peace in Gaza.

In addition, the two sides agreed on a meeting to be held soon in Washington. According to the office, issues related to Gaza will be raised during the meeting.

In addition, Hindelman said that Netanyahu had a separate conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden, during which he also thanked the current White House chief of staff for helping to advance the Gaza deal.

The Gaza ceasefire agreement between Palestinian Hamas and Israel became known on January 15. In the first phase, which will last 42 days, 33 Israeli hostages will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip under the agreement will take place for at least several weeks. On the same day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) press office noted that the Israeli army is preparing to receive the freed hostages.

Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog, in turn, called the agreement "a correct and necessary step." According to him, the Israeli authorities will seek the return of all captives.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also supported the deal and expressed readiness to assist in its implementation. He also emphasized that the UN is "unwavering in its commitment" to peace and stability in the region, and will do everything to ensure that civilians are supported.

In addition, Trump linked the agreement reached to his election victory. The president-elect added that his national security team will continue to work with Israel and allies "to make sure that Gaza never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists."

The situation in the Middle East escalated on the morning of October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian radical movement Hamas launched a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip into Israel. On the same day, Israel began retaliatory strikes.