Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump focused on efforts to free hostages held in Gaza, stressing his determination to "eliminate" the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas.

WASHINGTON/TEL AVIV (Reuters) -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, while Israeli officials hold indirect talks with Hamas,

The deadly attack could increase Israeli pressure on Netanyahu to ensure that a ceasefire is reached at a time that the United States is pushing forward efforts for Israel and Hamas to agree. The attack also shows that despite over 21 months of war in which Hamas forces have been heavily depleted and the territory has been devastated,