In a high-stakes diplomatic meeting at his Florida resort, former President Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss critical strategies for addressing the ongoing Gaza conflict.

The bilateral talks, held at Mar-a-Lago on Monday, focused on five major subjects with a particular emphasis on potential paths toward peace and stability in the region following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.

Trump openly acknowledged the complexities of his relationship with Netanyahu, candidly remarking that the Israeli leader can be 'very difficult' while simultaneously praising his leadership as essential to Israel's survival. 'Israel might not exist' without Netanyahu's guidance, Trump told reporters gathered at the exclusive venue.

A central theme of the discussions was the urgent need for Hamas to disarm, with Trump repeatedly calling for the Palestinian group to surrender its weapons. This stance comes after Hamas' armed wing publicly declared its intention to retain its military capabilities, creating additional tension in the ongoing negotiations.

The former president was direct in his assessment, stating unequivocally, 'There has to be a disarming of Hamas,' underscoring the international community's desire for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire.

As negotiations continue, the meeting between Trump and Netanyahu represents a critical moment in efforts to broker peace and stability in a region long marked by conflict and uncertainty.

The talks at Mar-a-Lago signaled a commitment to finding diplomatic solutions and exploring potential pathways toward de-escalation in the Gaza region.