Trump says a Gaza ceasefire is closer than ever, but Hamas resistance, Israeli politics, and regional tensions complicate the path to peace. Read more.
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Trump Says Gaza Ceasefire Is Closer Than Ever — The Reality Is More Complicated
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that a Gaza ceasefire was “closer than ever” following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The declaration came after Netanyahu accepted a 20-point peace framework, which Trump unveiled publicly for the first time.
However, the optimism was tempered by the reality that the plan still requires Hamas’ approval — something that remains far from guaranteed.
What Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal Includes
The ceasefire plan outlines several key demands:
- Hostage Release: Hamas must release all remaining hostages within 72 hours of Israel accepting the deal.
- Governance of Gaza: Hamas will be excluded from any future political role. Instead, governance would shift to a Palestinian Authority (PA) committee alongside an international body called the “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump himself.
- Phased Withdrawal: Israeli troops would begin withdrawing in stages if the terms are upheld.
Trump and Netanyahu cautioned that Hamas would face harsh repercussions if it refuses the deal. Netanyahu stressed that Israel would pursue its objectives “whether through cooperation or through force.”
Why the Deal Faces Major Obstacles
While Trump projected confidence, the road to peace is far from clear:
- Hamas Resistance: Hamas has rejected similar provisions in the past and may see the plan as surrender.
- Regional Pushback: Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad condemned the proposal as a “recipe for regional explosion.”
- Israeli Politics: Netanyahu faces pressure from his far-right coalition partners, who threaten to topple his government if Gaza is handed back to the PA.
- Fragile Trust: Past negotiations collapsed when both Israel and the U.S. accused Hamas of stalling.
Why This Matters for Trump
For Trump, brokering a ceasefire in Gaza would mark a major foreign policy win, potentially bolstering his push for a Nobel Peace Prize.
It could also pave the way for an expansion of the Abraham Accords, which normalized Israel’s ties with the UAE and Bahrain during Trump’s first term.
But repeated optimism has led to disappointment. Previous ceasefire attempts in 2023 and 2025 collapsed, and the ongoing conflict has claimed over 66,000 Palestinian lives and displaced millions.
The Current Situation on the Ground
- Israeli Assaults Continue: Despite peace talks, Israeli forces continue their assault on Gaza City, targeting Hamas strongholds.
- Rising Casualties: More than 17,000 children are among the dead, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
- UN Findings: A recent UN inquiry accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, claims the Israeli government strongly denies.
With ongoing bloodshed, even a “close” ceasefire risks unraveling before implementation.
FAQs
1. What does Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan involve?
It includes hostage releases, Hamas’ exclusion from governance, an international “Board of Peace,” and phased Israeli troop withdrawal.
2. Has Hamas responded to the proposal?
As of now, Hamas has not formally responded. Islamic Jihad has already condemned the plan.
3. Why is Netanyahu facing political pressure?
His far-right allies oppose handing control of Gaza back to the Palestinian Authority, threatening to destabilize his government.
4. How many ceasefires have been attempted since 2023?
There have been two: one in November 2023 and another in January 2025. Both collapsed due to renewed hostilities.
Conclusion
Trump’s announcement signals hope for an end to the devastating Gaza war, but the challenges remain steep. With Hamas’ approval uncertain, Israeli politics divided, and regional tensions high, the path to peace is anything but guaranteed.
Whether Trump’s latest push becomes a historic breakthrough or another stalled attempt will depend on Hamas’ response — and whether both sides are truly ready for compromise.