WASHINGTON – In a significant development that could pave the way toward ending the devastating conflict in Gaza, United States President Donald Trump has claimed that Israel has accepted the conditions for a proposed 60-day ceasefire. The claim was made in a statement published on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, and has since garnered global attention as stakeholders cautiously await Hamas’s response.
President Trump’s announcement comes at a critical juncture in the Gaza conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli territory. Since then, the war has taken a horrific toll on civilians, with over 56,000 Palestinians martyred, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, and approximately 1,200 Israelis killed in the initial attack, as per Israeli authorities.
Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal and International Mediation Efforts
In his message, President Trump revealed that the 60-day ceasefire plan had been facilitated through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, who are expected to present the final terms of the agreement to Hamas in the coming days. Trump urged Hamas to accept the proposal, stating:
“I hope that Hamas accepts this agreement because there will not be a better offer than this—only worse.”
This potential deal is seen as a diplomatic push to bring all parties involved in the war to the negotiation table. However, key obstacles remain, most notably the starkly divergent demands of both Israel and Hamas.
Context of the Gaza War: Timeline of Escalation
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched a coordinated attack from Gaza into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, most of them civilians. The assault also led to the capture of dozens of Israeli hostages, sparking outrage and prompting Israel to declare a full-scale military campaign against Gaza.
In the months since, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out relentless airstrikes and ground operations, resulting in widespread destruction and civilian casualties. The Gaza Strip, already one of the most densely populated areas in the world, has seen its infrastructure decimated, with hospitals, schools, and homes reduced to rubble.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 56,647 Palestinians have been killed so far, including thousands of women and children. These figures have drawn condemnation from human rights organizations worldwide, who argue that Israel’s actions amount to collective punishment and violations of international law.
Uncertainty Over Hamas’s Response to Ceasefire Terms
While President Trump’s announcement has raised hopes for a temporary respite, there has been no official response from Hamas regarding acceptance of the proposed ceasefire conditions.
A senior Hamas official, speaking to the British news agency Reuters last week, acknowledged that diplomatic efforts have intensified, largely due to Qatari and Egyptian mediation. However, he also confirmed that negotiations remain stalled, particularly over Israel’s refusal to accept Hamas’s key demands — a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
These conditions, Hamas argues, are essential for any sustainable peace, while Israel insists the war will only end with the complete dismantling of Hamas’s military and political structure.
Remaining Hostages a Major Point of Contention
Another major sticking point in the ongoing negotiations is the status of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Israeli officials estimate that around 50 hostages remain, with at least 20 confirmed to be alive. The hostages are believed to be held in secret locations across the Gaza Strip, likely in the vast network of tunnels known as the “Gaza Metro”, which is used by Hamas for mobility and concealment.
The release of these hostages has been a top priority for Israel, and previous attempts at temporary truces have often revolved around hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. It remains unclear whether the proposed 60-day ceasefire includes any such provisions, but experts suggest that any viable agreement will need to address the hostage issue directly.
Israeli Military Operations Continue Amid Ceasefire Talk
Even as discussions about a potential ceasefire continue, Israeli military actions in Gaza remain ongoing. On Monday, an Israeli airstrike hit a café in Gaza City, killing at least 20 Palestinians, according to eyewitnesses and medical sources. The attack occurred as people were reportedly gathered to access internet and electricity, further highlighting the desperation and dire humanitarian conditions in the besieged enclave.
Additionally, Israel has reportedly ordered evacuations in northern Gaza, urging civilians to flee areas that may be targeted in upcoming operations. The continued bombardment and military activity indicate that Israel remains focused on its military objectives, even as it engages in parallel diplomatic efforts.
Trump-Netanyahu Meeting and Political Implications
President Trump also revealed that he is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week, a meeting he described as potentially “tough.” Trump expressed confidence that Netanyahu is seeking an end to the conflict, stating:
“I think there will be an agreement next week.”
The proposed meeting is expected to be pivotal, especially considering Trump’s prior support for Israel, including the controversial recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital during his previous term. Observers suggest that the meeting could serve both diplomatic and political purposes, particularly as Trump ramps up his 2024 re-election campaign.
International Community Reacts to Ceasefire Possibility
The global reaction to Trump’s claim has been cautiously optimistic. United Nations officials, as well as humanitarian aid agencies, have long called for a sustained ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery, civilian evacuations, and infrastructure rebuilding.
The European Union, Turkey, and other international actors have reiterated the need for both parties to reach a comprehensive political settlement. Many leaders view the 60-day ceasefire as a potential window to build trust and initiate long-term peace talks, though skepticism remains high due to the long history of failed truces and broken promises in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Pakistan and Muslim World’s Position
Several countries, including Pakistan, have repeatedly condemned Israeli military actions and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Pakistani officials have voiced support for the two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab League have similarly demanded international intervention and the cessation of hostilities, particularly in light of the high civilian death toll.
Conclusion: A Fragile Opportunity for Peace
President Trump’s assertion that Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire may signal the most substantial progress toward de-escalation in months. However, the lack of confirmation from Hamas, ongoing Israeli military operations, and deep-rooted mistrust between the parties make this potential truce precarious at best.
Still, even a temporary ceasefire could offer much-needed relief to millions of Palestinians trapped in Gaza, many of whom are facing famine, homelessness, and disease in addition to the constant threat of airstrikes. Whether this fragile opportunity will evolve into a meaningful path toward peace depends on the willingness of all parties to compromise, address humanitarian needs, and engage in honest dialogue.
For now, the world watches — hopeful but wary — as a conflict that has raged for nearly a year may be approaching a critical turning point.
