In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Qatar and Egypt would present the “final proposal” and that Washington would “work with all parties to end the War” during the pause. He gave no details of the terms.
Israel has not publicly confirmed accepting the deal, but Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar wrote on X that a government majority supports a framework to free hostages held in Gaza, calling the moment “an opportunity that must not be missed.”
Hamas is “ready and serious” about an accord if it ends the conflict, spokesman Taher al-Nunu told the BBC. The Islamist group wants any ceasefire to include a partial Israeli withdrawal and a commitment to halt military operations after the truce.
About 50 hostages remain in Gaza; more than 20 are thought to be alive. Their fate has fueled regular Israeli street protests demanding a deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted on “complete victory” over Hamas before ending the war, but faces renewed US pressure ahead of a meeting with Trump next week in Washington.
Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon said the government was “absolutely” ready for a ceasefire, but that “more military pressure” remained an option if Hamas stayed away from talks. “The war will end when the hostages are back home,” he told the BBC.
Trump predicted agreement could be reached “next week.” He said he would be “very firm” with Netanyahu, adding: “He wants to. I can tell you he wants to.”
A January ceasefire collapsed in March when Israel resumed strikes, leaving plans for a permanent truce and full hostage release unresolved.
(jh)
Source: BBC, Reuters, The Guardian