I think it's close: Trump expresses hope for Gaza ceasefire within a week
US President Donald Trump on Friday expressed hope that a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants could be reached soon, possibly within the coming week. Speaking from the Oval Office during an event celebrating a Congo-Rwanda accord, Trump said he had been in contact with individuals involved in efforts to end the ongoing conflict."I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump told reporters. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire."advertisementHe did not specify who he had spoken with, but during the recent Israel-Iran hostilities, Trump said he maintained near-daily contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The renewed push for a Gaza ceasefire comes after months of stalled diplomacy, following the collapse of a previous truce brokered at the end of former President Joe Biden's term, with backing from Trump's incoming team.In the aftermath, Israel ramped up its military campaign and enforced a blockade that choked off aid to Gaza for more than two months, triggering fears of famine.Now, the recent US-mediated ceasefire that ended 12 days of fighting between Israel and Iran, marked by American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, has injected fresh urgency into peace efforts.Trump, according to a source quoted by Newsweek, is pushing not just for a temporary halt in hostilities, but for a permanent agreement between Israel and Hamas. Such a deal, he hopes, could pave the way for renewed Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.advertisementMeanwhile, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is expected to visit Washington next week for high-level talks on Gaza, Iran, and a potential White House visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu, speaking Thursday, suggested the outcome of Israel's confrontation with Iran could create new diplomatic opportunities.'This victory presents an opportunity for a dramatic widening of peace agreements. We are working on this with enthusiasm,' he said.The conflict in Gaza was reignited after Hamas-led militants launched a deadly assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.In response, Israel launched a massive military operation in Gaza, which the local health ministry says has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. The offensive has displaced nearly the entire population, caused widespread hunger, and led to accusations of war crimes and genocide—charges Israel strongly denies.While Hamas has indicated a willingness to release remaining hostages as part of a deal to end the war, Israel insists the conflict can only conclude with the disarmament and dismantling of Hamas—terms Hamas has so far refused.Efforts to end the violence have gained momentum following a short but intense 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, which concluded with a U.S.- and Israeli-backed ceasefire earlier this week. That confrontation also included the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, heightening international urgency around peace talks.- EndsWith inputs from ReutersTune InMust Watch
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