President Donald Trump indicated that a ceasefire in Gaza war could be achieved next week, after both Israel and Hamas responded positive to the U.S.-proposed 60-day agreement on pausing the conflict that has engulfed the Middle East in multiple crises and embroiled Washington in its diplomatic crosshairs.
Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, after Israeli accepted the proposal, which seeks return of Israeli hostages from their captivity in Gaza.
Palestinian militant organization Hamas, which triggered the conflict with an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, also said it is willing to negotiate implementation of the deal with “positive spirit.”
The Gaza ceasefire push follows President Trump facilitating Iran-Israel ceasefire last month after a deadly conflict, during which U.S. also bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Before that, the U.S. president brokered a ceasefire between nuclear powers India and Pakistan in May.
“The movement has delivered its response to the brotherly mediators, which was characterized by a positive spirit. Hamas is fully prepared, with all seriousness, to immediately enter a new round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework,” Hamas statement said.
Commenting on Hamas’s reaction, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
“They said they gave me a positive response? Well, that’s good,” Trump said.
However, the U.S. president said he had not yet been briefed.
“There could be a Gaza deal next week,” he added.
Today, Edan Alexander — held hostage by Hamas for 584 days — visited the Oval Office with his loved ones. His mother, Yael, shared: “Thank you for saving my son and bringing heart back to my family.”
We remain committed to bringing every hostage home. 🇺🇸🎗️ pic.twitter.com/IBRl7CJoJO
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 4, 2025
The United States, Qatar and Egypt have worked to broker the agreement between Israel and Hamas.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.
He reminded all parties that international humanitarian law must be upheld.
Guterres is “appalled” by the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as civilians face yet another wave of mass displacement with few safe places to go, according to his spokesperson.
Gaza is the hungriest place on the planet; US proposes 60-day ceasefire
Multiple attacks in recent days have killed and injured scores of Palestinians at sites hosting displaced people and others attempting to access essential supplies, Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday.
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the loss of civilian life,” Dujarric added, amid growing concern over Palestinian deaths at the site of food distribution taking place under Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
The killing of hundreds of Palestinians at the aid distribution sites has drawn criticism from the world body and European capitals.
The United Nations says with no fuel having entered Gaza in over 17 weeks it is “gravely concerned that the last lifelines for survival are being cut off.”
“Without an urgent influx of fuel, incubators will shut down, ambulances will be unable to reach the injured and sick, and water cannot be purified,” Spokesperson Dujarric said.
The October 7, 2023, attacks on Southern Israel by Hamas killed around 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials.
Besides, militant fighters kidnapped around 250 and took them to Gaza as hostages.
Israel’s military attacks on Gaza since then have killed over 57,000, according to Gaza health officials.
About our correspondents
Iftikhar Ali is a New York-based seasoned journalist, writer and analyst, whose expertise include UN affairs, South Asia, the Middle East and American politics. He is a recipient of several international awards and is a sought-after authority on UN affairs with appearances on major world news channels.
Asim Tanveer is a seasoned journalist with a passion for photography. He has been working for some of the world’s leading news organizations including Associated Press (AP), Reuters, BBC, CNN, CNBC, Star TV, Voice of America and The New York Times. He has won several awards for his live coverage of events that include a Reuters News Agency World Award.
Follow for more: Twitter (X) | Facebook | Instagram | LinkeIn
