US President Donald Trump (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a meeting at the White House, Washington, DC. (Photo: IRNA/VNA)

Speaking to the press about his meeting with Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump described the situation in the Gaza Strip as a tragedy, which has caused a severe humanitarian crisis affecting more than 2 million people. He said the US and Israel are seeking a solution.

Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, expressed hope that an agreement will be reached in the next few days, possibly by the end of the week. The deal could include the release of 10 live hostages held by Hamas since October 2023 and the remains of 9 dead hostages.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has returned to the White House for further negotiations with Trump, following an announcement by Qatar on Tuesday that indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha will require more time to reach a breakthrough. Qatar, along with the US and Egypt, is serving as a mediator. Discussions in Doha are focused on building a negotiation framework. A Palestinian official involved in the talks said no breakthrough has been achieved so far.