Trump Announces Israel's Agreement to Conditions for 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire

Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, intensifying international pressure on Hamas to accept a deal aimed at pausing the protracted conflict and facilitating negotiations for a more lasting peace. The pronouncement came amidst heightened diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, with the U.S. leader emphasizing that this temporary truce would serve as a critical window to work towards a comprehensive end to the hostilities.
According to President Trump, his representatives engaged in "long and productive" meetings with Israeli officials, during which the terms for the proposed 60-day ceasefire were ironed out. While the specifics of the agreed-upon conditions have not been fully disclosed to the public, reports from sources close to the negotiations suggest that the deal would involve the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of the remains of 18 deceased hostages held by Hamas. In return, Israel is reportedly expected to make concessions regarding the release of Palestinian prisoners and a partial withdrawal of its forces from certain areas within Gaza, alongside increased humanitarian aid access.
President Trump has made it clear that the ultimate goal of this 60-day period is to create an environment conducive to broader discussions that could lead to a permanent cessation of the conflict. He explicitly warned Hamas that this proposed deal represents their best opportunity for a resolution, asserting that "it will not get better – IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE" should they reject the terms. This firm stance underscores the administration's determination to bring an end to the nearly two-year war that has devastated the Gaza Strip and claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The role of Qatar and Egypt as key mediators in these ongoing negotiations was highlighted by President Trump, who stated that these nations would be responsible for delivering the final proposal to Hamas. Both countries have been instrumental in previous attempts to broker truces between Israel and Hamas, leveraging their diplomatic channels to facilitate dialogue between the warring parties. Their continued involvement is seen as crucial to the potential success of this latest initiative.
The announcement precedes a scheduled meeting next week between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. This high-stakes encounter is expected to delve deeper into the terms of the ceasefire and the broader strategic landscape in the Middle East. President Trump has indicated that he intends to be "very firm" in his discussions with Netanyahu, signaling his intent to apply pressure on all sides to achieve a lasting resolution.
Despite President Trump's optimistic declaration, both Israel and Hamas have yet to formally or publicly confirm their full acceptance of the deal's conditions. While Israeli sources have indicated strong backing within Prime Minister Netanyahu's cabinet for the framework of the proposal, a full commitment has not been definitively stated. Similarly, Hamas has signaled an openness to a ceasefire agreement but continues to insist that any deal must lead to a complete end to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza – a demand that Israel has consistently rejected, maintaining that it will not cease its operations until Hamas is defeated.
Previous ceasefire attempts have faltered due to these fundamental disagreements, particularly concerning the long-term status of the conflict. However, some officials briefed on the current talks have expressed cautious optimism, citing that this latest initiative includes U.S. and mediator guarantees that discussions aimed at ending the war completely would indeed take place during the 60-day truce. This commitment to a pathway for a permanent resolution, rather than just a temporary pause, could be a critical differentiator.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with international charities and aid groups calling for urgent action and criticizing existing aid distribution mechanisms. The prospect of a ceasefire, even a temporary one, offers a glimmer of hope for the millions of Palestinians enduring dire conditions. The international community watches closely, hoping that this latest push from Washington will finally bring about a much-needed respite from the relentless violence and lay the groundwork for a more stable future in the region.
Source@BBC