22 hours ago
Last Updated:July 02, 2025, 06:49 IST
Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to the terms of a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, urging Hamas to accept the deal or face worsening conditions.
A file photo of US President Donald Trump (AP)
Donald Trump on Wednesday said that Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire with Gaza, with the necessary conditions, and that he, along with others, would work to end the war during this period.
The US President also urged Hamas to accept the ceasefire deal, saying he hoped for the best for the Middle East.
Trump announced the development as he prepares to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks at the White House next week.
“My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.
“The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal," he added.
“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" (sic), Trump wrote.
The Israel-Hamas was has left more than 56,000 dead in the Palestinian territory, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its death count.
US officials believe Hamas has been significantly diminished as its centralised command and control capabilities have deteriorated over the course of the nearly 21-month conflict, according to the Associated Press.
Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, was in Washington on Tuesday for talks with senior administration officials to discuss a potential Gaza ceasefire, Iran and other matters.
Dermer was expected to meet with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Earlier Tuesday, Trump repeated his hope for forging an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal next week.
Asked if it’s time to put pressure on Netanyahu to get a ceasefire deal done, Trump said the Israeli Prime Minister was ready to come to an agreement.
“He wants to," Trump said of Netanyahu in an exchange with reporters while visiting a new immigration detention facility in Florida.
“I think we’ll have a deal next week," he said.
Talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered over a major sticking point – whether the war should end as part of any ceasefire agreement.
About 50 hostages remain captive in Gaza, with less than half believed to be alive.
Hamas says it is willing to free all the hostages in exchange for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops and an end to the war in Gaza.
Israel rejects that offer, saying it will agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms and goes into exile, something that the group refuses.
Before Trump’s announcement, Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, had warned that his country would respond forcefully to the firing of a missile the military said originated from Yemen.
Sirens sounded across parts of Israel, alerting residents to the attack and the launch of two projectiles from Gaza. All were intercepted by Israeli defence systems.
The missile launch marked the first attack by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels since the end of the 12-day war initiated by Israel with Iran.
Katz said Yemen could face the same fate as Tehran.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
News world Trump Says 'Israel Agrees To 60-Day Ceasefire In Gaza', Urges Hamas To Accept Deal
