WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Israel has agreed to the key terms of a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, raising hopes for a temporary pause in a devastating conflict that has claimed more than 58,000 Palestinian lives since October 2023.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump stated:
“My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time 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. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
While Trump did not disclose the specific terms of the truce, he indicated that the agreement could serve as a foundation for broader negotiations aimed at ending the war. Qatar and Egypt are expected to formally present the final proposal to Hamas, continuing their role as key mediators alongside the United States.
War Background and Ongoing Mediation
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military response has left large parts of the Gaza Strip in ruins and drawn widespread international condemnation.
Ceasefire negotiations have been underway for weeks, with the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar acting as intermediaries. Key sticking points remain: Hamas has reportedly demanded firm commitments on Israeli troop withdrawal and unfettered humanitarian aid access, while Israel maintains that any ceasefire must include the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas.
Rising Regional Tensions
Trump’s ceasefire announcement comes at a time of heightened regional volatility. Earlier this month, tensions escalated between Israel and Iran following reciprocal airstrikes. The U.S. further inflamed the situation by launching strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities — a move harshly condemned by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The fragile security environment in the Middle East has prompted renewed calls from world leaders for a de-escalation of hostilities and a diplomatic resolution to the Gaza conflict.
Outlook
While Trump’s announcement marks a potential breakthrough, much depends on Hamas’s response to the proposal being relayed by Qatar and Egypt. A 60-day ceasefire could offer critical humanitarian relief and open the door to further diplomatic efforts — but as Trump warned, the opportunity may be fleeting.
Whether this tentative agreement leads to a sustained pause in violence or marks just another failed effort will depend on swift decisions by all parties involved.
