Israel Agrees to Conditions for 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire, Trump Says

Israel Agrees to Conditions for 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire, Trump Says

Israel initiated a military operation in Gaza following the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths. According to Gaza's health ministry, at least 56,647 people have been killed in Gaza since then.

"The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked to facilitate peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope that Hamas accepts this deal, as the situation may not improve," Trump wrote.

During the proposed agreement, Trump stated, "we will work with all parties to end the war," in a post on Truth Social, without specifying the conditions involved.

Trump announced that Israel has agreed to the "necessary conditions" to finalize a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.

It is not yet clear whether Hamas will accept the terms of the ceasefire.

Trump's statement precedes a scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week, during which the US president indicated he would take a firm stance.

The US president also stated on Tuesday that he believes Netanyahu wants to end the conflict in Gaza.

"He wants to. I can tell you he wants to. I think we'll have a deal next week," Trump added.

On Tuesday, Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was scheduled to meet with US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance in Washington.

Last week, a senior Hamas official told the BBC that mediators have increased efforts to negotiate a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza, but that discussions with Israel remain stalled.

Israel has stated that the conflict will only end when Hamas is fully dismantled. Hamas has called for a permanent truce and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Approximately 50 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive.

Trump's comments follow Israel's order for evacuations in northern Gaza ahead of increased military activity. At least 20 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli air strike on a seafront cafe in Gaza City on Monday, according to medics and eyewitnesses.

The Israeli military stated this week that it is investigating reports of civilians being harmed while approaching aid distribution centers in Gaza operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is supported by the US and Israel.

More than 170 charities and NGOs have called for the group to be closed. Organizations such as Oxfam and Save the Children allege that Israeli forces frequently open fire on Palestinians seeking aid.

Israel denies these allegations and states that the organization is necessary to prevent Hamas interference in aid distribution.

In March, a previous ceasefire agreement ended when Israel launched new strikes on Gaza. The Israeli military described these as "pre-emptive strikes based on Hamas's readiness to execute attacks, build up force, and re-arm."

The prior ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which began on 19 January, was structured in three stages but did not progress beyond the first stage.

Stage two 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.