US President Donald Trump has re-ignited plans for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, with the aim of obtaining the release of remaining hostages. This follows his previous success at negotiating a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran conflict. Trump’s action follows the breakdown of a January ceasefire agreement, renewed Israeli attacks, and an increasing number of civilian deaths in Gaza.
Meanwhile, his government is still in controversy for promoting a plan to assume control of Gaza and make it a resort city, essentially closing the two-state solution.
Talks Back on Track After Months of Collapse
The January ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas collapsed in March. Since then, PM Benjamin Netanyahu summoned a resumption of Israeli action in Gaza. Thousands of Palestinians have been killed since then, many while congregating for humanitarian relief.
The backchannel negotiations have been revived by Trump’s team, The Jerusalem Post reports. The negotiations seek to restore the ceasefire and complete the release of hostages held during the October 7 terror attacks. A US senior official asserted that the administration remains “optimistic” about closing the deal.
75% of Deal Finalised, 25% Still in Dispute
An American source indicated that 75% of the terms of the agreement are now resolved. The remaining 25% consists of such issues as:
- Humanitarian terms in Gaza
- Conclusive terms to bring an end to war
- Israel’s request for assurances to preclude Hamas from rearming
These points of contention remain to hold up progress. Nevertheless, both sides are said to remain involved in indirect negotiations.
Exile Proposal Sparks Tension
One of the important proposals is the banishment of Hamas leaders from Gaza after a ceasefire is established. Trump administration officials have championed the notion, but Hamas has dismissed it.
In the meantime, PM Netanyahu met with top ministers and military brass on Sunday. Israel discussed whether to send a team to indirect negotiations in Qatar or Egypt, The Jerusalem Post reported. It is a possible change of pace in Israeli participation, despite ongoing combat.
Trump’s Gaza Plan Remains a Flashpoint
While Trump says he wants peace, his Gaza rebuilding scheme scares people. He has suggested that Palestinians be expelled and Gaza be turned into an Israeli-run resort area. His critics label the plan ethnic cleansing and say it would ensure that the two-state solution is never possible again.
Nonetheless, Trump still courts the image of a dealmaker who can resolve conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. However, during his reign, a new war with Iran erupted instead.
Donald Trump’s second push for a ceasefire comes during record-breaking violence, international criticism, and profound disagreement over what the future holds for Gaza. As hostage negotiations continue and most of the agreement is already on the table, the next several weeks may determine whether Gaza witnesses a respite—or further devastation.
