Netanyahu denies reports of Trump talks on Gaza ceasefire deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied reports he spoke with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump about the Gaza ceasefire deal. 

Axios cited a US source saying that Trump had intended to encourage Netanyahu to take the ceasefire deal when Gaza negotiations start in Doha on Thursday.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment but Netanyahu's office on Thursday denied the reports.

“Contrary to media reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not speak yesterday with former President Donald Trump,” said a statement from Netanyahu’s office.

Late last month, Netanyahu visited the U.S. and met President Joe Biden, Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican former President Trump.

Egypt, the US, and Qatar have scheduled a new round of Gaza ceasefire negotiations for Thursday.

Biden laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal in an address on 31 May. Washington and regional mediators have since tried arranging the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal but have run into repeated obstacles.

Hamas said on Wednesday it would not take part in a new round of Gaza ceasefire talks slated for Thursday in Qatar, but an official briefed on the talks said mediators expected to consult with the Palestinian Islamist group afterwards.

Washington, Israel's most important ally, has said that a ceasefire in Gaza will reduce the rising threat of a wider war in the Middle East.

There has been an increased risk of a broader war after the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Both drew threats of retaliation against Israel.

(Reuters)