WASHINTON DC: US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel has agreed to the key terms required to finalize a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said that the agreement would pave the way for efforts to end the ongoing conflict, though he did not specify the exact conditions.
He added that Qatar and Egypt—two countries actively mediating the conflict—would present the final proposal to Hamas. “I hope Hamas accepts the deal, because it won’t get any better — only worse,” Trump wrote.
Israel launched its military operation in Gaza following a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in around 1,200 Israeli deaths. Since then, over 56,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the health ministry operated by Hamas. It remains uncertain whether Hamas will agree to the ceasefire terms.
Trump’s remarks come ahead of a planned meeting next week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The president said he would take a “very firm” stance during the talks and expressed confidence that Netanyahu is seeking an end to the conflict. “He wants to. I think we’ll have a deal next week,” Trump said.
Meanwhile, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was scheduled to meet with US officials on Tuesday, including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance in Washington.
Efforts to mediate a truce have intensified in recent weeks. A senior Hamas official told the BBC that while talks are ongoing, negotiations with Israel remain at a standstill. Israel has maintained that the war will only end once Hamas is fully dismantled. Hamas, on the other hand, continues to demand a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Approximately 50 Israeli hostages are still being held in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive.
(Inputs from BBC)
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