Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to a proposed 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, part of a broader effort to end the Gaza war. Trump said Egypt and Qatar will present the final offer to Hamas, urging the group to accept: “It will not get better — only worse.”
The deal, mediated by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, would involve Hamas releasing 10 living Israeli hostages and returning the remains of 18 more during the truce. A permanent ceasefire would lead to the release of the rest.
Hamas’s initial response was cautiously positive but included changes — like spreading hostage releases over the 60 days to prevent Israel from walking away early, as it did during January’s failed truce.
Israel reportedly wants to retain the right to resume fighting, while Hamas seeks a binding path to permanent peace. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid distribution remains a sticking point. Hamas wants control shifted from the Israeli-approved Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which forces Gazans to travel dangerous distances through combat zones.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, set to visit the White House, has sent mixed signals, with Hebrew media split over whether he supports the deal. Trump has promised to be “very firm” with Netanyahu during the visit, while quiet optimism grows among hostages’ families.
