Amid the escalating conflict in Gaza, President Donald Trump has urged both Israel and Hamas to pursue a peaceful resolution through negotiations.
At a Glance
- President Donald Trump is making an urgent public push for a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas to secure the release of hostages.
- The diplomatic effort comes as Israeli officials, including PM Benjamin Netanyahu, are scheduled to visit Washington.
- A U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire is on the table, but the sides remain at an impasse over a permanent end to the war.
- The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Trump’s Urgent Plea: “Make the Deal”
President Donald Trump is publicly pressuring Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire agreement, emphatically focusing on the return of hostages held in Gaza. In a recent post on social media, the president was blunt: “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!”
The urgent call comes as the war, which began with the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, continues to rage. Despite the high stakes, Trump has expressed optimism about the ongoing diplomatic efforts. “I think it’s close,” he told reporters, according to CBS News. “We think within the next week, we’re going to get a ceasefire.”
A Diplomatic Push in Washington
The public pressure coincides with a critical phase of negotiations and a series of high-level visits to Washington. Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is in the city for talks, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit soon.
The U.S. has been a key mediator in the talks, with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, presenting a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages. However, the diplomatic path remains fraught with challenges. Hamas responded to the proposal with several amendments, which Witkoff has publicly described as “unacceptable.”
The Sticking Point
The core disagreement preventing a deal remains the question of a permanent end to the war. Hamas has insisted that any agreement must include a full withdrawal of Israeli troops and a permanent end to the conflict. Israel, however, has refused these terms, maintaining that it will continue its military campaign until Hamas is dismantled.
The war began after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages. The subsequent Israeli military offensive in Gaza has created a devastating humanitarian crisis. According to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory, the death toll has now surpassed a staggering 56,500 people, the majority of whom are women and children.
