WASHINGTON: On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Iran-supported Hamas fighters to accept what he referred to as a "definitive offer" for a two-month truce with Israel in Gaza. He stated that officials from Qatar and Egypt acting as mediators would present the proposal.
Trump stated on social media that his delegates held an "extended and fruitful" discussion with Israeli authorities regarding Gaza.
He didn’t specify who his delegates were, although scheduled meetings included U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President J.D. Vance with Ron Dermer, a top advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump stated that Israel has accepted the terms necessary to conclude a 60-day truce, "throughout which period we will collaborate with all involved sides to bring an end to the conflict." He added that envoys from Qatar and Egypt would present "this ultimate agreement" to Hamas.
"I pray, for the sake of peace in the Middle East, that Hamas accepts this Agreement, as conditions won’t improve—they’ll only deteriorate further. I appreciate your focus on this issue!" he stated.
Earlier today, Trump expressed optimism to members of the press that an agreement exchanging hostages for a ceasefire could be reached soon between Israel and Hamas fighters in Gaza. He is scheduled to welcome Netanyahu at the White House this coming Monday.
Hamas has expressed readiness to release the remaining hostages held in Gaza as part of any agreement aimed at ending the conflict, but Israel insists that the war will not conclude unless Hamas is both disarmed and removed from power. Despite this, Hamas remains unwilling to surrender its weapons.
The conflict in Gaza began after militants led by Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the capture of around 251 hostages, based on figures provided by Israel.
Both parties have displayed minimal indication of being willing to move away from their firmly held stances.
The United States has suggested a 60-day pause in fighting, along with freeing roughly half of the captives, in return for releasing Palestinian detainees and handing over the bodies of other Palestinians.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, stated earlier this week that Israel has accepted a U.S.-proposed 60-day truce along with a prisoner exchange agreement, placing responsibility on Hamas.
Trump and his team seem to be aiming to leverage any momentum generated by recent U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, along with the ceasefire agreement reached last week in that conflict, to achieve a long-term peace deal for the ongoing war in Gaza.
During a trip to Florida, Trump stated to journalists that he would take a "strong stance" with Netanyahu regarding the importance of quickly reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, adding that the Israeli Prime Minister also seeks an end to the conflict.
He said to reporters, "It is our hope that this will take place, and we anticipate it occurring at some point during the coming week. Our priority is getting the captives released."
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reports that more than 56,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to Israel's military offensive launched after October 7th. This attack has led to severe food shortages, forced all residents within Gaza from their homes, and resulted in allegations of genocide being brought before the International Court of Justice as well as charges of war crimes filed with the International Criminal Court. These claims are denied by Israel.