Trump Announces Gaza Ceasefire Agreement, Urges Hamas to Accept

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to the terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. He urged Hamas to accept the deal, warning that conditions would worsen if they refused. This announcement came as Trump prepared to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks at the White House.

Trump stated that his representatives had a productive meeting with the Israelis regarding Gaza. He indicated that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions for a 60-day ceasefire, during which efforts would be made to end the war. He mentioned that Qatar and Egypt would deliver the final proposal. Trump expressed his hope that Hamas would accept the deal for the good of the Middle East.

The former president's offer might face skepticism from Hamas. Trump has previously issued ultimatums to pressure Hamas into agreeing to longer pauses in fighting, aiming for the release of hostages and increased aid to Gaza. He views the current moment as a potential turning point in the conflict, which has resulted in a high number of casualties in the Palestinian territory.

U.S. officials believe Hamas' capabilities have diminished due to the conflict. Meanwhile, Iran, a key backer of Hamas, was recently impacted by strikes from Israel and the United States.

Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer was in Washington for discussions about a potential Gaza ceasefire, Iran, and other matters. Trump reiterated his hope for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal in the coming week. He stated that Prime Minister Netanyahu was ready to reach an agreement.

Talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly stalled over whether the war should end as part of any ceasefire agreement. Hamas is willing to release all hostages in exchange for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops and an end to the war. Israel rejects this offer, demanding Hamas surrender, disarm, and go into exile.

The announcement came as international charities called for disbanding a system for distributing aid in Gaza due to chaos and violence. The statement followed the killings of Palestinians seeking food. Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes resulted in casualties in southern Gaza.

Before Trump's announcement, Israel's defense minister warned of a forceful response to a missile launch from Yemen. Sirens sounded across parts of Israel, alerting residents to the attack. The missile launch marked the first attack by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels since the end of the recent conflict.