In a new post on Truth Social, Donald Trump claimed that Israel has agreed to a temporary 60-day cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
According to the president, the United States would use the pause in hostilities to work with both sides toward a more lasting solution. Trump stated that the proposal would be presented to Hamas through the mediation of Qatar and Egypt. The message also included a warning to the Palestinian group’s leadership: “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 initiative was reportedly discussed in Washington during a meeting between Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and top U.S. officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff.
As of now, neither the Israeli government nor Hamas has confirmed the deal, though Hamas official Taher al Nunu said the militant group was “ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideo Sa’ar expressed hope a retrieving hostges, posting on X: “If there is an opportunity to do so – it must not be missed!”
One of the key elements of the proposal involves the release of about half of the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. According to Israeli sources, at least 20 of them are believed to be alive, while around 30 are thought to have died in captivity. Their bodies are likely still in Gaza.
Despite the proposal, the gap between the two sides remains wide. Hamas has reportedly demanded a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory and guarantees that the war will end. Israel, in turn, insists on the disarmament of Hamas and the departure of its leadership from the enclave.
Trump’s announcement comes just days before a scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Only days earlier, the president claimed to have brokered a partial truce between Israel and Iran following a joint operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
Meanwhile, the fighting on the ground has not stopped. An airstrike in northern Gaza killed at least 39 people, including photojournalist Ismail Abu Hatab. Another 37 deaths were reported in the Khan Younis area.
