US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel has accepted the key conditions for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, raising hopes for a breakthrough in the long-running conflict.
Also Read
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “We will work with all parties to end the War. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring peace, will deliver this final proposal.” He urged Hamas to accept the deal, warning, “It will not get better, it will only get worse.”
Trump did not provide specific details about the terms Israel agreed to, and it remains unclear whether Hamas will accept the ceasefire.
Background and Current Developments
The announcement comes as Trump prepares to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week. Trump said he would be “very firm” during their discussions, adding, “He wants to [end hostilities]. I think we’ll have a deal next week.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance in Washington to discuss developments.
The proposed ceasefire would mark a major shift in a conflict that has killed over 56,000 people in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry. This follows Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which killed around 1,200 people in Israel.
Challenges Ahead
A senior Hamas official told the BBC last week that while mediators have stepped up efforts, talks with Israel remain stalled. Hamas continues to demand a permanent truce and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel insists that the conflict will only end once Hamas is dismantled.
Currently, around 50 Israeli hostages are believed to still be in Gaza, with at least 20 presumed alive.
Escalation and Humanitarian Concerns
Trump’s comments come amid heightened military activity. On Monday, at least 20 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a café in Gaza City, according to local medics and eyewitnesses.
Israel has also faced criticism from more than 170 humanitarian organisations, including Oxfam and Save the Children, for its military’s alleged actions near aid centers. These groups claim Israeli forces have fired on civilians seeking aid. Israel denies the allegations and defends the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as a necessary aid distribution channel to prevent Hamas interference.
Previous Ceasefire Breakdown
This isn’t the first attempt at a ceasefire. A January 2025 truce collapsed when Israel launched renewed strikes, citing pre-emptive action against Hamas. The initial agreement had included three phases: a temporary ceasefire, hostage and prisoner exchanges, and full Israeli withdrawal. However, the deal stalled at the first stage.
Whether this new 60-day ceasefire proposal will hold remains uncertain, but Trump’s announcement signals a potential turning point if both sides agree.
