Trump urges Hamas to accept ‘final proposal’ for 60-day Gaza ceasefire

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Hamas militants, supported by Iran, to accept what he termed a “final proposal” for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel in Gaza, which will be presented by mediators from Egypt and Qatar.

In a social media update, Trump stated that his delegates had a “long and fruitful” discussion with Israeli officials regarding Gaza. He didn’t specify who his delegates were, but U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance were scheduled to meet with Ron Dermer, a top adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He did not specify his representatives, but U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance were scheduled to meet with Ron Dermer, a top adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump said Israel has agreed to the conditions to finalize a 60-day ceasefire, “during which time we will work with all parties to end the War.” He said representatives for Qatar and Egypt will deliver “this final proposal” to Hamas.

“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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he said.

Hamas has expressed its readiness to release the remaining hostages and establish a new situation in Gaza as part of any agreement to conclude the conflict, while Israel asserts that an end can only occur if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas will not surrender its weapons.

The conflict in Gaza began when Hamas-led fighters assaulted Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages, based on Israeli estimates. Both parties have displayed minimal willingness to shift from their fixed stances. The U.S. has suggested a 60-day truce and the freeing of half the hostages in return for Palestinian captives and the bodies of other Palestinians.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated earlier this week that Israel has accepted a 60-day ceasefire and hostage agreement proposed by the U.S., placing responsibility on Hamas.

Trump and his team seem to be trying to leverage any momentum from U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, along with a ceasefire established last week in that situation, to achieve a lasting peace in the Gaza conflict. During a visit to Florida, Trump informed reporters that he would be “very firm” with Netanyahu regarding the urgency of a swift Gaza ceasefire, while also acknowledging that the Israeli leader desires one too.