U.S. President Donald Trump stated Friday that within 24 hours, it will likely be clear whether Hamas has accepted a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. Describing it as a “final proposal,” Trump mentioned that Israel has already agreed to the framework. He also revealed discussions with Saudi Arabia about expanding the Abraham Accords, the normalization agreements brokered during his first term.
Hamas Seeks Guarantees, While Strikes Continue
A Hamas-affiliated source said the group wants assurances that the U.S.-backed deal will lead to a permanent end to the war. Meanwhile, Israeli officials confirmed that details are still being negotiated. The urgency comes as Gaza authorities reported dozens killed in fresh Israeli strikes Thursday, exacerbating a conflict that has already claimed over 56,000 Palestinian lives, per local health officials.
Failed Truces and Mounting Humanitarian Crisis
A previous two-month ceasefire collapsed in March 2024 after Israeli attacks killed 400+ Palestinians. Since October 2023, when Hamas’ initial attack sparked the war, Gaza has faced mass displacement, famine risks, and ICC genocide allegations—claims Israel denies. Trump’s earlier suggestion of a U.S. takeover of Gaza was widely condemned as promoting “ethnic cleansing,” drawing criticism from the UN and rights groups.
Global Scrutiny Amid Stalled Peace Efforts
The proposed ceasefire could temporarily halt violence, but long-term solutions remain elusive. With 1,200 Israelis dead from Hamas’ 2023 attack and Gaza in ruins, international courts are investigating alleged war crimes. As Trump pushes for a deal, the world watches to see if this truce will hold—or if the cycle of violence will persist.