Washington / Gaza, July 02 (V7N) — US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel has agreed in principle to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, provided certain “necessary conditions” are met. Trump, who shared the news via his Twitter account on Tuesday (July 1) local time, said the proposed deal aims to end the ongoing war that has devastated the region since October last year.

The president did not specify the exact terms of the ceasefire, but emphasized that Qatar and Egypt, who have played crucial roles as mediators, will present the final proposal to Hamas.

“I hope Hamas accepts this deal, because they will get nothing better than this—if Hamas does not agree, it will only get worse,” Trump warned.

The announcement comes ahead of Trump’s scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week, where he promised to take a “very strong” position.

“I believe Netanyahu wants a ceasefire in Gaza. I can say for sure that he does. I think we can make a deal next week,” Trump said.

Background of the Conflict

The war erupted on October 7, 2023, after a Hamas-led attack killed about 1,200 Israelis, prompting Israel to launch a major military offensive in Gaza. According to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, at least 56,647 people, many of them civilians, have died in Gaza since then.

Despite months of efforts by international mediators, a breakthrough has remained elusive. Hamas continues to demand a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel insists the conflict can only end with Hamas’s complete destruction.

Around 50 Israeli hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza, with at least 20 presumed alive.

Diplomatic Moves

On the same day as Trump’s announcement, Israeli Strategy Minister Ron Dermer met in Washington with US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance to discuss the evolving situation.

While Hamas has yet to respond officially, a senior official told British media last week that talks remain stalled, despite renewed efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage release.

Looking Ahead

Trump’s proposed ceasefire could mark a major diplomatic turning point if accepted. However, the gap between Israel’s military objectives and Hamas’s demands remains wide, raising questions about whether a deal is truly within reach.

END/RH/AJ