Donald Trump announces Israel’s agreement to 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, urges Hamas to accept it
Washington, D.C., July 1, 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump made international headlines today as he announced that the Israeli government has agreed to a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. In a strongly worded public statement, Trump urged Hamas to accept what he described as a “final opportunity” to bring an end to the devastating conflict that has gripped the region for over nine months.
The ceasefire plan, which was negotiated with the help of Qatar and Egypt, aims to bring temporary relief to the war-torn enclave while laying the groundwork for a broader peace agreement. Trump’s involvement in the announcement comes just ahead of his scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, set to take place in Washington early next week.
A Rare Opening for Diplomacy
During a press briefing in New York, Trump declared, “Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions for a comprehensive 60-day ceasefire. This is a real chance to stop the suffering, to return hostages, and to move toward permanent peace. I strongly urge Hamas to accept the deal. The people of Gaza and Israel cannot endure more pain.”
The former president characterized the proposal as a “final framework”—a structured roadmap that includes the release of all remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners, alongside humanitarian aid access and a phased demilitarization of conflict zones.
“This is not a time for delay or defiance. If Hamas rejects this offer, it will only get worse for everyone involved,” Trump warned.
Inside the Ceasefire Proposal
According to sources familiar with the plan, the ceasefire will begin with a full cessation of hostilities across Gaza, followed by:
- The exchange of hostages and detainees within the first two weeks,
- Increased delivery of food, medicine, and fuel to the Palestinian population,
- The withdrawal of Israeli forces from key civilian areas in Gaza,
- And international oversight, likely through United Nations observers, to ensure compliance.
A notable clause in the agreement calls for both parties to engage in structured political dialogue during the 60-day window, with the goal of extending the truce or initiating long-term peace negotiations.
Trump Steps Back Into Global Politics
Though no longer holding office, Trump has remained an influential figure in Republican politics and foreign affairs. His reemergence as a negotiator in the Middle East has caught both praise and criticism.
Supporters see Trump’s announcement as an example of effective diplomacy backed by pressure tactics. Critics argue that Trump is using the high-stakes conflict to boost his political image ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, where Republicans hope to gain back control of the Senate.
Nevertheless, analysts agree that Trump’s public involvement in the ceasefire process may help move the dialogue forward. His close relationship with Netanyahu during his presidency and his previous recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital continue to give him credibility among Israeli officials.
Hamas Yet to Respond
As of this writing, Hamas has not officially responded to the proposed ceasefire. Sources inside Gaza report that leaders of the militant group are reviewing the terms, and internal debates are ongoing.
A Hamas-affiliated media outlet released a brief statement indicating that while the group is open to “any effort that stops Israeli aggression,” it remains firm on its demand for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops and an end to the blockade that has crippled Gaza’s economy for years.
International pressure is mounting on Hamas to accept the deal. Egyptian and Qatari envoys are expected to meet with senior Hamas leaders in Doha to convey the details of the agreement and push for swift action.
A Region Desperate for Relief
Since the outbreak of war in late 2024, the Israel-Gaza conflict has led to over 30,000 reported casualties, including thousands of civilians. Gaza’s infrastructure is in ruins, with more than half of its population displaced, and essential services such as hospitals and clean water systems on the verge of collapse.
Humanitarian groups welcomed the ceasefire proposal with cautious optimism. Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) called the development “a crucial step to prevent further catastrophe,” while the International Committee of the Red Cross emphasized the urgent need for access to trapped civilians.
In Israel, public sentiment has shifted dramatically since the initial wave of hostilities. Families of hostages have staged regular protests, demanding action from the government to secure their loved ones’ release. A ceasefire deal involving their safe return could bring both political and emotional resolution to the crisis.
What Comes Next?
The coming days will be critical. Trump is expected to host Netanyahu in Washington on Monday, where the ceasefire and broader security concerns, including Iran’s regional influence, will top the agenda.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has taken a more hands-off approach, allowing Middle Eastern nations and former leaders like Trump to steer the latest diplomatic efforts.
Should Hamas accept the deal, implementation of the ceasefire could begin within a week. Observers warn, however, that any last-minute changes or violations could derail the delicate progress.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s announcement of Israel’s agreement to a 60-day ceasefire has added new urgency and visibility to the stalled peace process. The ball is now in Hamas’s court. With lives hanging in the balance and the region yearning for a break in the violence, the coming days may determine whether this conflict finally pauses — or plunges into a deeper abyss.
