In a major development in Middle East diplomacy, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions for a proposed 60-day ceasefire in the ongoing war in Gaza. The announcement, made via Trump’s Truth Social account, credited Qatar and Egypt with delivering a final proposal now under review by Hamas.

“Israel has agreed to the terms. Once confirmed, the United States will work with all parties to end the war,” Trump wrote. “Hamas should accept this final proposal. It will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.”

Hamas Signals Openness — With Conditions

A senior Hamas spokesperson, Taher al-Nunu, told international media that the group is “ready and serious” about accepting the deal—if it guarantees a complete end to the war. That condition remains a major sticking point, as Israel has repeatedly stated it seeks to dismantle Hamas entirely, not just reach a temporary truce.

While the Israeli government has not formally confirmed Trump’s claim, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar noted there is majority cabinet support for a hostage-release framework tied to the ceasefire. According to reports, this framework could be the breakthrough needed after months of stalled negotiations.

High-Stakes Diplomacy: Netanyahu-Trump Meeting Looms

Trump’s statement comes ahead of a scheduled meeting next week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where the former president pledged to be “very firm.” Trump expressed optimism that a final deal could be secured during the talks, potentially paving the way for a broader resolution to the nine-month conflict.

Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is also engaged in diplomatic talks in Washington, meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance, adding to speculation that a multilateral push is underway to seal the deal.

Background: War, Hostages, and Humanitarian Toll

• Hostages: Approximately 50 Israeli hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with at least 20 presumed alive, according to Israeli sources.
• Palestinian Death Toll: Over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
• October Attack: The war began after Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israel that left around 1,200 people dead, triggering Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Recent reports indicate that hundreds of civilians have been killed or injured while attempting to access food and aid at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution sites. Human rights groups including Oxfam and Save the Children have condemned the violence. Israel denies intentionally targeting civilians, stating that measures are in place to bypass Hamas interference in aid delivery.

A previous ceasefire deal in January 2025 collapsed after just one stage of implementation, which included a temporary pause in fighting and limited hostage exchanges.

What’s at Stake

This latest proposal is being viewed as a critical juncture in the conflict. While Trump’s personal diplomacy may add momentum, major obstacles remain, including Hamas’s demand for a permanent ceasefire and Israel’s insistence on neutralizing Hamas’s military capacity.

With international pressure mounting, the coming days will be decisive. Whether this ceasefire leads to sustainable peace—or simply another pause in a devastating war—remains to be seen.

Stay with AMN-USA for updates on Middle East diplomacy, U.S. foreign policy, and reactions from global leaders.