Trump’s ceasefire statement sparks hope amid Gaza conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to the terms required to finalize a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, raising hopes in the besieged territory where at least 20 people have died in ongoing Israeli attacks, according to local health officials.

Trump indicated that a "final" proposal would soon be presented to Hamas by mediators from Qatar and Egypt, following what he described as a "long and productive" meeting between his representatives and Israeli officials. Residents of Gaza expressed cautious optimism, with many saying even a temporary halt to hostilities could save thousands of innocent lives.

Pressure is mounting on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a permanent ceasefire and bring an end to the nearly two-year-long conflict. However, some hardline members of his right-wing coalition remain opposed.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed support for a deal that would facilitate the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas, numbering around 50, with approximately 20 believed to be alive.

For Gazans enduring repeated displacements and severe shortages 21 months into the conflict, the news offered a rare glimpse of hope. Businessman Tamer Al-Burai described the situation as the "most difficult days," emphasizing the urgent desire for an end to war, starvation, and humiliation.

Neither Israel nor Hamas immediately responded to Trump’s announcement. The President’s statement mentioned Israel’s agreement to the conditions necessary for the ceasefire but did not specify the details.

The timing of the announcement seems connected to recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and a newly reached ceasefire in that regional conflict, which might increase pressure on Hamas, a group backed by Tehran. Israeli officials also view Iran’s weakened position after a recent 12-day war as an opportunity to strengthen regional alliances.

A Hamas official declined to comment immediately. Sources said the group plans to review the proposal thoroughly before issuing an official response.

Earlier, Hamas had sought amendments to a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan that was rejected by Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, as unacceptable. The original plan involved a 60-day ceasefire, the release of half the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and remains, with the rest of the hostages freed only once the war ends.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid offered his party’s support to avoid a government collapse should hardliners oppose the deal.

Meanwhile, Gaza health authorities reported that Israeli military actions killed at least 20 Palestinians in separate strikes, while the Israeli military said its operations aim to dismantle Hamas’ military power and minimize civilian harm.

The current war began with a surprise Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and the capture of 251 hostages. Israel’s response has caused more than 56,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, and triggered a humanitarian crisis.