Trump Said: Gaza Ceasefire Likely Next Week as Hamas Responds Positively

In a recent statement, former U.S. President Donald Trump described Hamas’s response to a proposed ceasefire plan as “positive” and “encouraging.” Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed hope that a formal ceasefire agreement could potentially be reached in Gaza as early as next week.

He emphasized that the United States is deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza, noting that “something must be done” to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. Trump highlighted that Washington has already sent significant financial aid and humanitarian assistance to the region.

This hopeful development comes after Hamas agreed to hold immediate talks based on a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal. The proposal is backed by international mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, who have played key roles in previous negotiations.

Trump admitted he had not yet received a full briefing on the current status of the negotiations but maintained optimism that a breakthrough was possible soon.

Hamas officially stated on Friday that it is ready for serious and urgent negotiations. Its ally, Islamic Jihad, has also signaled support for the peace plan—on the condition that Israel does not launch fresh attacks once a ceasefire is in place.

The conflict has taken a devastating toll since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, which led to a large-scale Israeli military operation. Reports indicate that over 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing offensive.

Earlier, two ceasefires had been successfully negotiated with the help of the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. These agreements included the exchange of prisoners between both sides.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under growing domestic pressure, particularly over his government’s handling of the hostage situation. Netanyahu is expected to visit Washington on Monday, where a meeting with Trump is also anticipated.

This recent turn of events signals a potential shift towards peace, but much depends on the outcome of the upcoming negotiations and the willingness of all parties to adhere to the terms of any future agreement.