By Kanishka Singh and Maayan Lubell
WASHINGTON/ JERUSALEM (Multibagger) - Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump revealed that he encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring a swift end to the conflict in Gaza during their recent meeting in July.
"He knows what he's doing, I did encourage him to get this over with," Trump emphasized during a press conference. "It has to get over with fast, but have victory, get your victory and get it over with. It has to stop, the killing has to stop."
Trump's advice to Netanyahu came after his meeting at Mar-a-Lago in late July. Netanyahu also met with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during his visit to the U.S.
Despite reports suggesting otherwise, both Netanyahu's office and Trump denied discussing Gaza ceasefire and hostage release talks on the previous day.
Biden proposed a three-phase ceasefire plan on May 31, and efforts have been made to negotiate a ceasefire-for-hostages deal in Gaza since then.
Egypt, the United States, and Qatar are set to hold new rounds of negotiations this week to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The U.S., as Israel's key ally, believes that a ceasefire in Gaza is crucial to prevent a broader war in the Middle East.
The recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut have heightened the risk of a wider conflict, with threats of retaliation against Israel.
The latest escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. Israel's subsequent response has led to significant Palestinian casualties and displacement, raising concerns of a humanitarian crisis.
Analysis:
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, along with the international efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, can have significant implications on the financial markets and global stability. Investors should closely monitor the developments in the region as any escalation could impact market sentiment and geopolitical risk. It is important for individuals to stay informed about the situation and consider the potential economic consequences of the conflict.