ISLAMABAD (PEN) : U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on Hamas to accept what he described as a “final proposal” for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel, a deal set to be delivered through mediators from Qatar and Egypt.
In a post on social media, Trump revealed that his representatives held a “long and productive” discussion with Israeli officials regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Although he did not name the representatives, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance were scheduled to meet with Ron Dermer, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“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,” Trump stated.
He confirmed that Israel has accepted the terms of the ceasefire and that U.S. representatives, along with Qatari and Egyptian officials, would present the final proposal to Hamas. The deal includes a temporary halt to hostilities while efforts are made to secure a broader resolution to the war.
Ceasefire Linked to Hostage Release
Trump told reporters he remains optimistic that a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement could be finalized as early as next week. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House on Monday to further discuss the situation.
The U.S.-brokered proposal reportedly involves a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half the hostages held by Hamas. In return, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners and the remains of deceased Palestinians.
Hamas has expressed willingness to release the remaining hostages as part of a broader agreement, but it continues to reject demands to disarm. Israel has made it clear that any long-term truce would require Hamas to be dismantled.
Escalation and Humanitarian Impact
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters attacked Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
Since then, Gaza’s health ministry reports that Israeli military operations have killed more than 56,000 Palestinians. The conflict has caused severe humanitarian consequences, including widespread hunger, mass displacement, and international legal scrutiny.
Accusations of war crimes and genocide have been filed against Israel at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice — allegations that Israel strongly denies.
Momentum Toward Truce?
Trump’s administration is reportedly seeking to leverage recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, along with a newly implemented ceasefire in that conflict, to generate momentum for a longer-lasting truce in Gaza.
“We want to get the hostages out,” Trump said during a visit to Florida. “We hope it’s going to happen. And we’re looking forward to it happening sometime next week.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed earlier this week that Israel had accepted the U.S.-backed ceasefire plan, placing the onus on Hamas to move forward with the agreement.
The coming days may prove critical as international mediators attempt to break the deadlock and de-escalate one of the most enduring and deadly conflicts in the region.
