An undisclosed White House meeting on July 8 brought together US envoy Steve Witkoff, a senior Qatari official and Netanyahu's top adviser Ron Dermer to address remaining obstacles in Gaza ceasefire talks, Axios reported on July 9.

The discussions focused on resolving the final area of disagreement after three of four contentious issues were reportedly settled in recent days. The remaining dispute centres on lines to which Israeli Defence Forces would withdraw during a proposed 60-day truce.

Both Witkoff and the Qatari official made clear to Dermer that Israel's proposed withdrawal map, involving significantly narrower redeployment than the previous ceasefire, would not be acceptable. The Qatari official warned Hamas would likely reject the proposal and talks could collapse over the issue.

Sources claimed Witkoff told Dermer the redeployment map looked like a "Smotrich plan," referring to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich who has pressed Netanyahu to maintain substantial IDF presence in Gaza. The map included ongoing Israeli occupation of large Gaza parts, described as a non-starter for the Trump administration.

Dermer argued Netanyahu faces significant coalition pressure against major concessions and stressed such decisions require Cabinet approval rather than unilateral action by the Prime Minister.

Following the meeting, Israel reportedly presented a revised map featuring wider IDF withdrawal. One source familiar with the issue said the new proposal led to significant progress and raised chances of reaching a deal.

"There are still some gaps remaining, but we are in a positive trajectory at the moment," the source told Axios.

The developments align with President Donald Trump's recent assessment that Gaza ceasefire talks have been "going along very well" during his meeting with Netanyahu at the White House.

The meeting highlights continuing diplomatic efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict through negotiations involving multiple international mediators whilst addressing Israeli domestic political pressures and Palestinian demands for comprehensive withdrawal from occupied territories.