As Israel and Hamas move closer to a ceasefire agreement, Israel says it wants to maintain troops in a southern corridor of the Gaza Strip — a condition that could derail the talks

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump focused on freeing hostages held in Gaza, and stressed his determination to "eliminate" the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas.

US President Donald Trump said a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is “very close,” with a potential breakthrough expected this week or next. His comments followed a second meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.