US President Donald Trump has demanded an immediate Gaza ceasefire agreement, calling on Israel and Hamas to bring their 20-month-old war to a stop. His call comes amidst indications of negotiations speeding up, with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said to be planning a trip to Washington.
Negotiators appear to be gaining momentum, though they have not finalised a deal yet. Trump’s social media appeal and remarks on Netanyahu’s corruption trial mark his increasing foray into Middle East diplomacy, even as Israeli military actions escalate in northern Gaza.
Trump Pushes for a Ceasefire Deal
Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday morning, posting, “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!” The message followed earlier comments in which he suggested a possible breakthrough “within the next week.” Trump told reporters, “We’re working on Gaza and trying to get it taken care of.”
This is a new diplomatic initiative after a previous eight-week-long ceasefire did not lead to permanent peace. Diplomats have since been inactive, but current events—such as Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer upcoming trip to Washington—show possible movement.
Netanyahu Trial Criticism Adds Pressure
Trump also condemned Netanyahu’s corruption trial, which is ongoing, as a “POLITICAL WITCH HUNT.” He accused the trial of sabotaging critical ceasefire negotiations. Trump, in a sharp social media post, wrote, “How is it possible that the Prime Minister of Israel can be forced to sit in a Courtroom all day long, over NOTHING,” while attempting to negotiate a hostage exchange.
He echoes past demands to suspend the trial and reinforces Trump’s own political narrative of persecution.
Israel Extends Military Campaign
On the battlefield, the Israeli army instructed large-scale evacuations in northern Gaza. Locations are eastern and northern Gaza City and the Jabaliya refugee camp. Military official Col. Avichay Adraee stated that civilians must relocate south to Muwasi as operations become more intense.
Several Palestinians had come back north in the previous ceasefire, but Israel is now seeking to clear the region to defeat militants. Rights groups fear this could constitute forcible transfer.
Ceasefire Talks Face Major Sticking Point
One key issue still holds up the talks—how the war should end. Hamas is insisting on a complete Israeli withdrawal and an end to the war once and for all in return for releasing all the hostages. Israel insists Hamas first disarm and emigrate—terms the group refuses to accept.
The war, started by the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack that murdered 1,200 and took 250 hostages, has since killed more than 56,000 in Gaza, with the majority being children and women, local health officials report.
Trump’s plea for peace comes at a delicate time. Negotiations persist but will take more than pressure—it takes political courage and compromise.
