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Former US President Donald Trump has stated that Israel has agreed to the “necessary conditions” to finalize a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump indicated that during the proposed ceasefire, the US would “work with all parties to end the War.” He did not elaborate on the specific details of the ceasefire.
“The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope… that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE,” Trump wrote.
While Israel has not confirmed its agreement to the conditions of such a deal, a Hamas official told the BBC that the group is “ready and serious” to reach an agreement contingent on ending the war.
Taher al-Nunu stated that Hamas is “prepared to agree to any proposal if the requirements for ending the war are clearly met or if they lead to its complete end.”
In a statement, the group articulated its aim to reach an agreement that “guarantees an end to the aggression, the withdrawal [of Israeli forces], and urgent relief for our people in the Gaza Strip.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar posted on X that there is majority support within the government “for a framework to release hostages,” adding that this opportunity “must not be missed.”
For Israel, the release of most, if not all, hostages still held in Gaza remains the key component of any potential agreement.
Of the approximately 50 hostages remaining in captivity, over 20 are believed to be alive, with their plight fueling regular demonstrations in Israel calling for an end to the conflict.
Recent polling data from an Israeli newspaper suggested that a majority of Israelis desire an end to the war. However, a Wednesday poll from the Israel Democracy Institute also indicated that most Israelis continue to distrust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his intentions.
Netanyahu has consistently insisted on “complete victory” over Hamas as a prerequisite for ending the war. It remains uncertain whether his position will shift under renewed pressure from Washington, a factor that could prove pivotal in reaching a deal.
On the Hamas side, however, optimism remains subdued.
A Palestinian official in Doha, Qatar, familiar with the talks, described the situation to the BBC as “grinding without flour,” highlighting the perceived lack of substance in ongoing discussions with Qatari and Egyptian mediators.
According to a source, Ghazi Hamad, Hamas’s representative in Cairo, is leading discussions on behalf of the group in Egypt.
The Palestinian official indicated that no new proposals have been presented by the mediators. Instead, efforts appear to be focused on revisiting existing proposals by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, a framework that reportedly falls short of key Palestinian demands.
The current draft reportedly lacks guarantees of a permanent end to the war after the ceasefire expires, nor does it ensure an Israeli military withdrawal to pre-January 19 positions.
Trump’s announcement of a possible ceasefire precedes a scheduled meeting with Netanyahu next week, where the former US president has stated he intends to be “very firm.”
He previously stated his belief that Netanyahu desires an end to hostilities in Gaza, saying, “He wants to. I can tell you he wants to. I think we’ll have a deal next week.”
However, without a guarantee to end the war, Hamas may question the value of releasing all hostages if the Israeli military is likely to resume bombing Gaza.
Another factor under consideration before an agreement can theoretically be signed is Hamas’s demand for a partial Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, at least for the duration of the ceasefire.
The international community is also expected to exert pressure for the resumption of full-scale UN-backed aid deliveries into Gaza.
Prior to Trump’s announcement, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, told the BBC that Israel was “absolutely” ready for a ceasefire.
Danon accused Hamas of “playing hardball.”
“We are putting pressure on Hamas, and if they will not come to the table, the only option we will have to bring back the hostages, is to apply more military pressure.”
“The war will end when the hostages are back home,” the Israeli envoy added.
Trump’s comments come shortly after Israel ordered evacuations in northern Gaza ahead of increased military action. At least 20 Palestinians were reportedly killed in an Israeli air strike on a seafront cafe in Gaza City on Monday, according to medical personnel and eyewitness accounts.
Israel initiated a military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory, at least 56,647 individuals have been killed in Gaza since then.
The Israeli military also stated this week that it was examining reports of civilians being “harmed” while approaching aid distribution centers in Gaza run by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported on Tuesday that, as of June 28, 408 people had been killed attempting to access aid at GHF aid sites.
Over 170 charities and other NGOs have called for the controversial group to be shut down. Organizations such as Oxfam and Save the Children allege that Israeli forces “routinely” open fire on Palestinians seeking aid.
Israel denies this accusation and maintains that the organization is necessary to circumvent Hamas interference in aid distribution.
In March, a previous ceasefire deal collapsed when Israel launched fresh strikes on Gaza. The Israeli military described the action as “pre-emptive strikes… based on Hamas’s readiness to execute terror attacks, build up force and re-arm”.
The previous ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas – which commenced on January 19 – was structured in three stages, but failed to progress beyond the initial phase.
The second stage included establishing a permanent ceasefire, the return of remaining living hostages in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
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The outdoor cafe was frequently used by journalists, activists and local residents.
The court has rejected a challenge brought by human rights groups.
The IDF said instructions had been issued to forces after “lessons learned”.
At least 86 people were killed as the result of Israeli attacks in the 24 hours before midday Sunday, the Hamas-run health ministry said.
Hospital staff and witnesses said at least 11 people were killed after a strike near tents housing displaced people on Friday.
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