Donald Trump has claimed that Israel is prepared to agree to a peace deal with Hamas as he seeks to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza war. In a post on Truth Social, the US president wrote: 'Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War.' However, it remains unclear what specific terms Israel has accepted.
Hamas said on Wednesday that it was reviewing Trump's proposal for a 60-day ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that any peace agreement must permanently remove Hamas from Gaza, declaring: 'There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a Hamastan. We’re not going back to that. It’s over.'
Negotiators from Hamas were expected to meet Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo, but Israel has not sent a delegation. US officials have supported Israel's demand that Hamas no longer exist in Gaza as a non-negotiable condition. Trump's claim follows his brokering of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and a meeting between Israeli minister Ron Dermer and US officials.
Reaction in Israel was muted, with officials stressing many unresolved issues. However, Israeli media reported increased motivation for a deal on both sides, with gaps narrowing. A senior Israeli official said Hamas had made concessions, prompting Netanyahu to bring forward his trip to Washington. Hamas downplayed progress, with official Taher al-Nunu stating: 'So far, there has been no breakthrough.'
Trump said he would be 'very firm' with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy ceasefire, expressing hope for a deal next week. The push comes after devastating conflict, with Israeli public support for a ceasefire that would return the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza.
