Trump announces 60-day Gaza ceasefire proposal as Israel agrees, Hamas remains cautious

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President Donald Trump announced on July 1 that Israel has accepted the key terms of a 60-day ceasefire proposal, aiming to halt violence and facilitate broader peace negotiations, with Qatar and Egypt set to deliver the final offer to Hamas.

The proposal, brokered by Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, is the result of intense diplomacy and international pressure. Qatar and Egypt, who maintain ties with both Israel and Hamas, are crucial mediators, with Witkoff expected to continue negotiations in Cairo.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed Israel's commitment to the ceasefire, emphasizing the country's willingness to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire, despite previous rejections by Hamas, which demanded guarantees for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli military withdrawal.

The Gaza conflict has caused widespread destruction and humanitarian crises, with Trump highlighting the ceasefire as critical for regional goals, including expanding the Abraham Accords. Sa'ar noted Israel's ambition to bring more Arab states into the peace circle while safeguarding its security interests.

Palestinians in Gaza are cautiously hopeful but skeptical due to past experiences, while Hamas indicates readiness for negotiations, insisting on a complete end to the war. The group's delegation is expected to meet with mediators in Cairo, highlighting their willingness to engage in talks.

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, July 1, that Israel has accepted the key terms of a 60-day ceasefire proposal.

The announcement comes after weeks of intense diplomacy and rising international pressure. The proposal, brokered by Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, aims to halt the violence and pave the way for broader peace negotiations. However, the success of the plan hinges on Hamas's response, with Qatar and Egypt poised to deliver the final offer. (Related: Trump predicts Gaza ceasefire within a week as Israel's deadly aid blockade sparks global outrage.)

The ceasefire proposal, which Trump hailed as a "potential breakthrough," was the result of a "long and productive meeting" between his representatives and Israeli officials. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating, "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."

The president's announcement was corroborated by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who confirmed Israel's commitment to the deal.

Sa'ar underscored Israel's willingness to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire, noting that previous iterations of the proposal had been rejected by Hamas. The militant group had demanded guarantees for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli military withdrawal, reflecting the complexities of the negotiations.

Trump credited Qatar and Egypt for their "very hard" work in brokering peace. The involvement of these regional powers is crucial, as they maintain diplomatic ties with both Israel and Hamas. Witkoff is expected to travel to Cairo in the coming days to continue negotiations on the final details of the agreement. The involvement of these mediators highlights the intricate web of diplomacy required to address the conflict.

Humanitarian concerns and regional implications

The war in Gaza has resulted in widespread destruction, particularly in the north, where Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes under intense bombardment. The conflict has also exacerbated humanitarian conditions, with many Palestinians living in dire circumstances. Trump has emphasized that securing a ceasefire is critical to broader regional goals, including the expansion of the Abraham Accords. The president views an end to the Gaza conflict as a pathway to normalizing relations between Israel and additional Arab states.

Sa'ar highlighted Israel's ambitions beyond the immediate conflict, stating, "We have opportunities in front of us." He referenced Israel's goal of expanding the Abraham Accords circle of peace and normalization while safeguarding its essential security interests. Jerusalem aims to bring countries such as Syria and Lebanon into the fold, reflecting a strategic shift in Israel's regional approach.

Reporting from Deir el-Balah, Gaza, Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum noted a mix of "guarded hope and deep skepticism" among Palestinians regarding Trump's ceasefire announcement. After nearly 21 months of destruction and displacement, Palestinians are desperate for a pause in the attacks. However, their hope is tempered by past experiences, as ceasefire talks have previously collapsed. Many Palestinians remain skeptical, having heard similar rhetoric from Trump before.

Meanwhile, Hamas has indicated it is "ready and serious" about reaching an agreement, but insists on a complete end to the war in Gaza. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu stated that the group is "ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war." A Hamas delegation is expected to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo to discuss the proposal, underscoring the group's willingness to engage in negotiations.

Find more stories about the war in the Middle East at WWIII.news.

Watch the video below that talks about Trump's plan to end the Gaza war in two weeks.

This video is from the Sanivan channel on Brighteon.com.