US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel is ready to agree to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. This development comes as part of ongoing efforts to end the conflict that has escalated since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that Israel has accepted the "necessary conditions" for the ceasefire, though he did not specify what those conditions entail. He emphasized the role of Qatar and Egypt in facilitating this proposal, expressing hope that Hamas would accept the deal, warning that the situation could worsen if they do not.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, confirmed that Israel is "absolutely" ready for a ceasefire. However, it remains uncertain whether Hamas will agree to the terms. Danon noted that Hamas has been resistant to negotiations, stating, "We are putting pressure on Hamas, and if they will not come to the table, the only option we will have to bring back the hostages is to apply more military pressure." He highlighted that around 50 Israeli hostages are still believed to be in Gaza, with at least 20 confirmed alive.
Trump’s announcement comes ahead of a scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he plans to take a firm stance on the issue. He expressed confidence that Netanyahu is eager to end hostilities, saying, "He wants to. I can tell you he wants to. I think we’ll have a deal next week."
Meanwhile, Israeli officials are continuing discussions in Washington, with Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer meeting with US officials, including the special envoy to the Middle East and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The situation in Gaza remains dire. Since the conflict began, over 56,647 people have reportedly died in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry. Last week, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Palestinians, further escalating tensions.
Israel’s military campaign was launched following the October 7 attack, which left around 1,200 people dead in Israel. The Israeli government has stated that the conflict will only conclude when Hamas is dismantled, while Hamas continues to call for a permanent truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Previous ceasefire efforts have failed, with a deal from March collapsing after renewed violence. The situation remains fluid, and many are watching closely to see if this latest proposal will lead to a lasting peace.