Trump claims Israel agrees to ceasefire while Gaza tensions continue
By Ottilie Salwey
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Israel is prepared to finalize a ceasefire agreement with Iran following last week’s tentative truce, which has so far remained fragile.
Trump urged Hamas to accept the deal, warning: “It will not get better, it will only get worse.”
He added that: “the Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to bring this peace,” will deliver the proposal to Hamas.
The announcement comes after a particularly deadly 24 hours in Gaza. On Monday, an Israeli airstrike hit a popular seafront café that had become a refuge for many caught in the conflict. Witness Ahmas al-Nayrab, who was walking on a nearby beach when the strike occurred, described it as “a massacre.”
Israel maintains that the airstrikes target terror operatives, anti-tank launch sites, weapons depots, military buildings, and underground infrastructure threatening Israeli civilians.
Despite the violence, Trump’s post conveyed confidence in progress, though neither Iran nor Israel have confirmed his claims. This week, Trump’s team, including Special Envoy Steve Wilkoff, has held meetings with Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. Meanwhile, Hamas representatives are scheduled to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo.
Optimism appears to be growing, but details of the proposed ceasefire remain unclear. Key sticking points between Israel and Iran include Hamas’s demand that the deal lead to an end of the war and allow them to remain in power, while Israel insists on the release of all hostages and the disbandment or exile of Hamas.
Such a deal would require considerable trust from both sides, especially regarding the immediate release of hostages and a long-term commitment to peace.
Ahead of his upcoming White House visit with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said he would be “very firm” in negotiations. His strong stance could be crucial in persuading Israel to agree.
Samu Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, has publicly pressured Trump, stating: “We call upon the US administration to atone for its sin towards Gaza by calling an end to this war.”
However, as of Tuesday morning, neither side has responded to Trump’s ceasefire claim. Trump’s previous announcement of a ceasefire in January collapsed by March, leaving the question of whether this latest effort will succeed.
Only time will tell if this ceasefire will hold or suffer the same fate.
