Trump says Israel has agreed to terms for a 60-day Gaza ceasefire!

 

US President Donald Trump announced that Israel has accepted the conditions needed for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. He stated this on Truth Social, expressing hope that Hamas would also accept the terms, warning that the deal “will only get worse” if they do not. Trump credited Qatar and Egypt for their roles in mediating the peace plan, which has yet to receive a formal response from Hamas.

Though Israel has not officially confirmed Trump's statement, its UN ambassador said the country is “absolutely” ready for a ceasefire. Trump’s upcoming meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to include firm discussions on ending the conflict. Trump also asserted that Netanyahu is keen on peace and predicted a deal may be finalized within a week.

Meanwhile, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met with top US officials in Washington, including the Secretary of State and Vice President. The diplomatic activity underscores growing momentum for a temporary truce. However, Israel maintains that any end to the war must include the return of all hostages held by Hamas  roughly 50 remain, with about 20 believed to be alive.

A previous ceasefire agreement earlier this year collapsed in its early stages due to renewed Israeli strikes, which were described as preemptive action against Hamas. This history raises questions about whether a new deal can hold.

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While talks continue, the violence in Gaza shows no signs of stopping. Israel carried out airstrikes on northern Gaza, killing at least 20 Palestinians at a seafront cafe, according to medics and witnesses. The Israeli military says these operations target Hamas infrastructure, while critics say civilian casualties continue to mount.

The humanitarian situation remains dire. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports more than 56,600 people killed since October 2023, when Israel launched its military campaign in response to Hamas's attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead. Now, over eight months into the conflict, aid efforts remain highly controversial and dangerous.

The Israeli military said it is reviewing claims that civilians have been harmed while approaching US- and Israeli-supported aid centers operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. More than 170 aid groups, including Oxfam and Save the Children, have called for the organization to be dismantled, citing reports of Israeli forces firing on aid-seekers. Israel denies these accusations, arguing the group is necessary to deliver aid without interference from Hamas.

Efforts to secure peace have consistently clashed with Israel’s stated goal of completely dismantling Hamas. Meanwhile, Hamas continues to demand a permanent ceasefire and total Israeli withdrawal. Despite these challenges, increased international pressure and Trump’s renewed involvement offer a small window of hope.

The final proposal, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, now hinges on Hamas’s response. If accepted, it could mark the longest ceasefire in the war so far. But with deep mistrust, civilian suffering, and stalled negotiations, the road to lasting peace remains uncertain.

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