Amid escalating violence, President Trump reveals a tentative 60-day ceasefire agreement for Gaza, urging Hamas to accept the deal while hinting at impending discussions with Israeli leadership.
US and Allies Push for New 60-Day Ceasefire in Gaza
US and Allies Push for New 60-Day Ceasefire in Gaza
President Trump announces agreement on ceasefire conditions as violence escalates.
Israel has reportedly accepted "necessary conditions" to facilitate a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, according to US President Donald Trump. Trump made the announcement via a post on Truth Social, although he did not provide specifics on the terms involved in the ceasefire. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of Qatar and Egypt in mediating the proposal, stating, "The Qataris and Egyptians… will deliver this final proposal." Trump also expressed hope that Hamas would accept this offer, suggesting that the situation is likely to worsen if they do not.
The renewed focus on a ceasefire comes in the wake of intense military conflict following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths. Since that time, Gaza has experienced catastrophic losses, with reports indicating that at least 56,647 individuals have perished, per the territory's Hamas-led health ministry. The evolving nature of the situation raises questions about the potential acceptance of the ceasefire terms by Hamas.
This announcement precedes President Trump's scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where Trump reiterated his intention to take a firm stance in discussions. He expressed confidence that Netanyahu is also inclined toward resolving the ongoing hostilities. Trump remarked, "He wants to. I can tell you he wants to. I think we'll have a deal next week," further illustrating the urgency of peace efforts.
The recent escalation follows a prior ceasefire attempt that faltered in March when military strikes resumed against Gaza. The Israeli military termed the actions "pre-emptive," citing Hamas's preparations to mount further attacks. The previous ceasefire, established on January 19, aimed to implement a three-stage peace process, but ultimately failed to exceed the initial stage, which aimed to establish a cessation of hostilities.
Middle East tensions, particularly in the Israel-Gaza conflict, remain a focal point for international diplomacy, as the security and humanitarian crises continue to unfold on both sides.
