U.S. President Donald Trump has called for urgent progress in ceasefire talks regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As Israel and Hamas seem to be moving closer to an agreement, Trump emphasized the need for a deal that would stop the fighting, which has lasted for 20 months.
Ron Dermer, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is scheduled to visit Washington this week to discuss the ceasefire. Netanyahu himself may also travel to the U.S. soon, indicating potential movement toward a new agreement. An official familiar with the plans, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not provide details on the visit’s agenda.
On social media, Trump urged, “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!” This statement came as he also discussed a Senate vote on his tax and spending cuts bill. He raised hopes for a ceasefire, suggesting that an agreement could be reached within a week. “We’re working on Gaza and trying to get it taken care of,” he told reporters.
Despite a ceasefire that was achieved shortly after Trump took office earlier this year, efforts to broker another agreement have stalled. Throughout this period, Trump has consistently called for an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In addition to his ceasefire push, Trump criticized Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, which he described as a "POLITICAL WITCH HUNT." He argued that the trial interferes with Netanyahu’s ability to negotiate with Hamas, saying it is unreasonable for the Israeli Prime Minister to be in court while trying to secure a deal that includes the return of hostages.
The trial has faced multiple delays, often at Netanyahu’s request, due to security and diplomatic issues. Recently, the court agreed to postpone two more days of testimony scheduled for this week.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have faced significant challenges, particularly over whether the war should end as part of any ceasefire agreement. Hamas has expressed willingness to release all hostages in exchange for a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, but Israel insists on Hamas’s surrender and disarmament, which Hamas has rejected.
The conflict has had devastating consequences. Since it began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack that killed around 1,200 people and resulted in approximately 250 hostages being taken, the death toll has soared. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 56,500 people have died in the fighting, with a significant portion being women and children.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with many displaced multiple times and much of the area’s infrastructure destroyed. The Israeli military has recently ordered evacuations in northern Gaza, where many residents have returned after an earlier ceasefire. Rights groups have condemned this as forced displacement.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring peace to the region.