Trump Optimistic for Ceasefire in Gaza While Hamas Weighs Options

What Happened?

President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Israel and Hamas are close to making a deal to end its ongoing conflict across the Gaza Strip.

During a White House press conference on Friday, President Trump said that the two sides are 'very close to an agreement' on Gaza with a chance of making a deal with Iran included.

'If we could have a deal without bombs being dropped all over the Middle East, that would be a very good thing,' stated Trump.

He added he expects the White House to gain more details over the weekend as the Palestinian militant group reviews the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal.

Israel signed off on the latest U.S. proposed ceasefire to secure the release of more Israeli hostages.

But the proposal, so far, reportedly fails to meet key Hamas demands.

According to reports, the proposal includes the release of 10 living hostages from Gaza and the bodies of 18 more in return for a 60-day ceasefire.

The hostages would reportedly be released within the first week in exchange for 1,236 living Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 more.

Humanitarian aid would also be distributed with the involvement of the United Nations, among other key details.

Some Hamas officials have reportedly suggested the group was surprised by some elements that did not include important details.

Those details were not limited to an Israeli commitment to withdraw forces from Gaza, guarantee the entry of aid, and what would happen after the 60-day truce.

Why it Matters

It could signify many expected changes to the draft to come as much criticism of Israel has been focused on closely approaching a 'red line.'

According to The Washington Post, a United Nations member accused Israel on Friday of continuing to block aid entry in the besieged strip.

The accusation comes after over 300 cultural figures across the U.K. and Ireland reportedly signed a letter demanding unrestricted aid to Gaza’s residents.

'The government of Israel has renewed its assault on Gaza with unrestrained brutality,' the letter stated as it emphasized the growing calls for an immediate ceasefire.

More than 800 lawyers have also called on the U.K. government to use 'all available means' to stop the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The 828 U.K.-based qualified legal experts filed an open letter of concern that warned 'genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza' from Israel's increased military offensive.

U.K. Prime Minster Keir Starmer recently joined French and Canadian leaders to issue warnings of preparations to take 'concrete actions' against Israel.

How it Affects You

Israeli airstrikes have continued to impact the Gaza Strip, killing at least 27 people, hospital officials said Friday.

It follows the current position of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said the region will be under Israeli security control by the end of the war.

Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages for a full Israeli withdrawal and lasting ceasefire.

As death tolls continue to rise, the permanent displacement of millions of Gazans is what global leaders are pushing to prevent.

President Trump and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will look to leverage Middle East influence to help the two sides sign off on a lasting peace agreement.