Trump Urges Hamas to Accept Ceasefire Deal with Israel

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is publicly pressuring Hamas to accept a proposed 60-day ceasefire agreement with Israel in Gaza, asserting that Israel has already agreed to the “necessary conditions.”

Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas

Trump stated on Truth Social that Qatar and Egypt would deliver this “final proposal.” He cautioned Hamas that “it will not get better – IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.”

These comments follow Trump’s claim that he intends to be “very firm” with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu regarding the urgency of securing a deal when they meet in Washington next week.

Striving for a Lasting Agreement

While Hamas has not provided a definitive response, the group acknowledged that mediators are engaged in “intensive efforts” to start a “serious” round of talks.

Hamas conveyed its desire for an agreement ensuring an end to the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and increased aid to the region. As of May 2024, humanitarian organizations estimate it will take at least 10 years to rebuild Gaza (Oxfam).

Netanyahu’s Firm Stance

Netanyahu has been hesitant to agree to any deal that permanently halts the war in Gaza, a key demand from Hamas, leading to deadlocked ceasefire negotiations.

During a visit to an energy facility in Ashkelon, Netanyahu declared that Israel would destroy Hamas and secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza. “There will be no Hamas,” he asserted. “We are not going back to that.”

Renewed Diplomatic Efforts

Following his brokering of an end to the conflict between Iran and Israel recently, Trump has renewed his push for a deal in Gaza, expressing hope that an agreement could be reached soon.

Trump stated during a visit to Florida, “We hope it’s going to happen. And we’re looking forward to it happening sometime next week,” adding, “We want to get the hostages out.”

Compromises on the Table

Ron Dermer, Israel’s minister for strategic affairs, reportedly discussed a framework for moving towards proximity talks with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy.

In these discussions, Israel has indicated a willingness to compromise on the extent of military withdrawal and the distribution of humanitarian aid during a ceasefire, but has not consented to a permanent end to the war.

Ongoing Conflict and Casualties

Despite these efforts, Israeli forces continue their offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in a dire humanitarian situation. Palestinian officials report that more than 56,000 people have been killed in the 21-month-old offensive.

Recent incidents include an Israeli strike on the Al-Baqa cafe in Gaza City, which local officials say killed more than 20 people.

Context of the Conflict

The current conflict was triggered by Hamas’s attack on October 7th, 2023, during which militants killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials, and took 250 hostage.