In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Israel accepted the required terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, announced United States President Donald Trump.
The announcement was made Tuesday night and can be a game changer in the ongoing violent conflict between Israel and Hamas. The next steps for this deal come down to if Hamas will accept a ceasefire and possible mediation by regional partners.
Details of the Ceasefire Proposal
President Trump stated that Israel’s acceptance came after “long and productive” discussions among representatives of the United States and Israeli officials. The ceasefire is for a proposed duration of two months, which is intended to give everyone the opportunity to engage with the conflict on a broader basis to come to a resolution to the War in Gaza. Trump stated “In this proposed ceasefire, we want to be working with all parties to end the War.” This time is urgent and serious, Trump certainly understands.
The deal has not been released publicly, and neither Israel nor Hamas issued a formal report disclosing which parties have agreed to what. However, Trump said that Qatar and Egypt – both of which have been crucial to the negotiations in the past will bring the final proposal to Hamas to consider.
Pressure Placement on Hamas and Regional Diplomacy
President Trump was clear about the expectation for Hamas to accept the deal, stating, “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.” This makes clear the increased diplomatic pressure on Hamas to respond favorably, along with the urgency of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Qatar and Egypt have positioned themselves to induce forms of pressure; both countries have been willing mediators between Israel and Hamas and are meant to deliver the final proposal to Hamas in the coming days. Trump is also scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu next week in Washington, where a ceasefire and broader regional issues – including Iran – are likely to be discussed.
Background and Humanitarian Context
The desire for a ceasefire has been driven by do months of intensifying violence that began the the Hamas attack on Israel October 7th, 2023, resulting in 1,200 deaths. Since then, Israel has conducted a military campaign in Gaza leading a to horrendous casualties. The Hamas-controlled health ministry reports more than 56,000 deaths in Gaza since the start of the hostilities.
In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis has drawn the condemnation of more than 150 aid organizations, who have advocated for urgent changes to the aid distribution system in the area based on accounts of chaos and violence at food distribution points. The proposed ceasefire is seen as an important first step back towards not only ending violence but also addressing the significant humanitarian needs of civilians.
Future Developments and Uncertainties
There is no question that Israel’s acceptance of the terms is a significant diplomatic event. The success of the ceasefire from tomorrow will depend on how Hamas reacts. Most previous ceasefire efforts have failed over disagreements about hostages, prisoner releases, and Israeli force withdrawal from Gaza. The details of the proposal, and its expected requirement to include hostage releases and prisoner releases made by Palestinian detainees, have remained unknown.
With world attention turned towards the region, the next few days will be important. If Hamas accepts the terms of the deal, fighting could cease 60-days from next week, and open the door for renewed negotiations, or even long-term cessation of the conflict.
Israel’s acceptance of the terms for a 60-day ceasefire deal in Gaza has been a rare moment of hope in a long and tragic conflict. The world now waits on Hamas, as the opportunity for a ceasefire gives some of the millions impacted by the violence a moment of respite.