On July 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to the “necessary conditions” to finalize a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, with Trump urging Hamas to accept the deal, warning that conditions “will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.”

Trump emphasized that the ceasefire, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, aims to provide a window to negotiate a permanent end to the war, which has killed at least 56,647 Palestinians and wounded 134,105, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

The announcement followed what Trump described as a “long and productive meeting” between his representatives and Israeli officials. While specific terms of the ceasefire remain undisclosed, the proposal reportedly includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a framework consistent with previous U.S.-backed efforts.

A source familiar with the negotiations indicated that the deal was finalized after months of behind-the-scenes work led by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and incorporates adjustments to address concerns raised by Hamas in earlier proposals.

The ceasefire is intended to provide a two-month window during which the United States, alongside Qatar and Egypt, will work with all parties to negotiate a permanent end to the conflict.

Trump emphasized the urgency of the deal, stating, “I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar backed the sentiment, noting on X that there is “majority support” in Israel’s government for a framework to release hostages, adding that the opportunity “must not be missed.”

Hamas responded cautiously, with senior official Taher al-Nunu telling the BBC that the group is “ready and serious” to reach an agreement but insists that any deal must lead to a complete end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

This condition has been a sticking point in past negotiations, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that the war will continue until Hamas is defeated and disarmed.

Trump’s announcement comes as he prepares to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on July 7, where he has promised to be “very firm” in pushing for a resolution.

The U.S. president expressed optimism, stating to reporters that he believes Netanyahu “wants” a deal and that a ceasefire could materialize soon.

On the other hand, Israeli forces have killed at least 43 Palestinians across Gaza amidst the agreement of a ceasefire by Israel.