Trump says Gaza ceasefire agreement is very close

AhlulBayt News Agency: Israel has stated that Hamas must accept a ceasefire proposal submitted by US envoy Steve Witkoff or face annihilation. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has claimed that a ceasefire agreement is "very close."

Israeli Minister of Military Affairs Israel Katz declared that the military was operating in Gaza "with full force," adding that Hamas must choose between accepting the "Witkoff Deal" for hostage release or being annihilated.

Hamas announced on Friday that it was still reviewing the US proposal for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, where new Israeli airstrikes have killed dozens, according to hospital officials.

Trump stated on Friday that he believes a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is "very close."

"We'll let you know about it during the day or maybe tomorrow. And we have a chance of that," Trump told reporters during a joint news conference with Elon Musk at the White House.

Trump’s remarks followed the White House’s announcement on Thursday that Israel had accepted a new US proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Hamas.

The details of the proposed deal have not been publicly disclosed, but reports indicate it includes a 60-day pause in Israeli attacks and guarantees serious negotiations toward a long-term truce.

The proposal also seeks assurances that Israel will not resume bombings after the release of captives, as it did in March.

Hamas has repeatedly insisted that it will only agree to a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Despite international condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, the Israeli government recently approved a plan that could lead to the capture of the entire Gaza Strip.

Arab states have rejected the plan, while Hamas has labeled it ethnic cleansing.

Most Gazans have been displaced at least once during the 19-month-long war between Israel and Hamas.

Israel blocked all aid from entering Gaza on March 2, before resuming its military campaign on March 18 after ceasefire negotiations collapsed.

Since violating the ceasefire agreement on March 18, the Israeli army has killed 3,986 Palestinians and wounded 11,451 others.

Since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza, at least 54,249 Palestinians have been killed and 123,492 wounded.

/129