Washington: Two senior aides to Israel's prime minister have arrived in Washington to engage in high-level discussions with US officials concerning the pressing issues of Gaza and Iran, as reported by Israeli media on Monday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi are scheduled to meet with US special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House. The discussions are expected to focus on Iran's nuclear program and ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas regarding Gaza.

There has been no immediate response from the White House regarding these media reports. Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza for the past 18 years and, as of March 2, has closed all crossings, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area.

Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has continued its offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of nearly 60,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children. This relentless bombardment has devastated the enclave and caused severe food shortages.

In November of the previous year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.