US President Donald Trump is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week, with a key focus on brokering a ceasefire in Gaza. Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal, saying, “Very firm. He wants to end it too… I think we’ll have a deal next week.”
He emphasized the need for safety in Gaza, stating that civilians must be protected. According to Trump, Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions for a 60-day ceasefire, and Qatar and Egypt will deliver the final proposal to Hamas.
The proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas is seeking guarantees that the ceasefire will lead to a permanent end to the war.
A source close to the group expressed skepticism about the proposal, highlighting the need for assurances that the war will not resume after the ceasefire. Netanyahu has pledged to bring home all captives still held by Hamas in Gaza, where the civil defense agency reported 73 people were killed recently.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting at least 57,130 people killed and 134,592 wounded since the start of the conflict. The situation has sparked criticism of the international community’s response, with former European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell accusing US-linked armed groups of killing hundreds of starving Palestinians in Gaza. The EU has been criticized for its alleged inaction in addressing the crisis.
Trump’s push for a ceasefire comes amid reports of intense Israeli strikes across Gaza, with medics reporting dozens of deaths. The US president has warned Hamas to accept the deal, stating, “I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.” The situation remains dire, with humanitarian groups raising alarms about the impact of the conflict on civilians.
As Netanyahu prepares to meet with Trump, the international community is watching closely for signs of progress toward a ceasefire. The US president has emphasized his commitment to securing a deal, saying, “I will be very firm with Netanyahu about ending the war in Gaza.” With the humanitarian crisis in Gaza showing no signs of abating, the need for a ceasefire has never been more urgent.
