U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Israel has agreed to terms for a new 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, with expectations that the militant group Hamas will now consider the deal. While neither side has officially accepted the proposal yet, Mr. Trump warned that if Hamas fails to cooperate, their situation could deteriorate further.

This development, revealed on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, marks a significant step toward ending the 20-month-long war in Gaza, which began after the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas on southern Israel.

The Deal Framework: Modified but Familiar

Details of the ceasefire are still emerging, but the structure closely resembles a plan previously proposed by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Trump confirmed that Egypt and Qatar, longstanding mediators in the region, are currently refining the proposal and will present a final version to Hamas leadership.

Key elements of the proposal include:

• A 60-day ceasefire during which hostilities would pause.

• Hamas to release 10 hostages: eight on day one, two on the final day of the ceasefire.

• Israel to pull troops from selected parts of Gaza, easing pressure on civilians.

• Substantial increase in humanitarian aid, coordinated by the United Nations, Palestinian Red Crescent, and the Gaza Humanitarian Fund.

Ground Realities in Gaza: A War-Weary Population

Since October 2023, the war has caused tremendous loss on both sides. The initial Hamas assault killed 1,200 Israelis and saw around 250 hostages taken. Today, Hamas is believed to still hold about 50 hostages, but less than half are confirmed to be alive.

The Israeli military response has been relentless, with airstrikes and ground operations across Gaza. Reports from rescue workers now indicate that at least 23 Palestinians, including children, were recently killed by Israeli forces, raising urgent calls for an end to the violence.

Trump’s Influence: Balancing Israel and Regional Peace

Though Trump has typically supported Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his tone has shifted in recent weeks. Trump has now expressed a clear desire to end the conflict. During the recent 12-day war with Iran, he notably pressured Israel to scale back retaliation after an Iranian missile strike, signalling a more even-handed approach.

A diplomat involved in the talks said, “There is now a big opportunity to reach an agreement. The signals we’re getting are promising.” Trump’s tough stance on Israel has reportedly given Hamas confidence that the U.S. will enforce any deal.

Who Will Run Gaza Post-Ceasefire?

One of the most sensitive points in the ceasefire negotiations has been the future governance of Gaza.

Israel has been adamant that Hamas will not govern Gaza once the fighting ends. The new proposal suggests a transition to a neutral administration known as the Community Support Committee, made up of Palestinians with no political affiliations.

This arrangement aims to ensure neutral aid delivery, public service management, and eventually, reconstruction, while avoiding political bias or control by any militant group.

The Role of Mediators: Egypt and Qatar

Egypt, playing a central role in negotiations, said the updated proposal had resolved a major point of contention: how aid would be distributed.

Now, the plan entrusts the United Nations and Palestinian Red Crescent with aid coordination, alongside the Gaza Humanitarian Fund, which is supported by both the U.S. and Israel.

Egyptian officials said Israel has not yet agreed to withdraw forces to the same positions they held during the March 2025 ceasefire, but there is momentum.

Netanyahu’s Hard Line Still a Hurdle

Despite diplomatic movement, Netanyahu remains firm in his public stance. On Wednesday, July 2, he reiterated that after the ceasefire, “there will be no Hamas.”

This line echoes Israel’s twin war aims:

1. Ensure the safe return of all hostages, and

2. Eliminate Hamas’s presence in Gaza entirely.

This could create tension if the ceasefire moves to later phases that might involve negotiations or compromises.

Historical Context: Previous Ceasefire Attempt Failed

Earlier this year, a three-phase ceasefire agreement in January began with limited success.

In Phase One, Israel and Hamas exchanged prisoners for hostages and allowed limited aid into Gaza. However, by March 1, Phase One expired.

Israel wanted to extend it, while Hamas pushed for Phase Two, which involved:

• Releasing all remaining hostages,

• A more extensive Israeli withdrawal, and

• A permanent ceasefire.

The plan collapsed due to lack of mutual trust, and fighting resumed with even greater intensity.

Iran’s Role Diminished, Hamas Now Isolated

The regional landscape has also shifted. Iran, once a strong backer of Hamas, has been weakened after recent military confrontations with Israel.

Its regional proxy network is unraveling, and the blow dealt during the 12-day war has left Hamas more isolated and vulnerable than ever.

This change in circumstances may be pushing Hamas to consider the ceasefire more seriously, especially with international pressure mounting.

A Path Forward: Fragile But Possible

While the deal is not final, multiple sources say this is the closest the two sides have come in months to a potential end to fighting.

The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are expected to provide security guarantees and political cover, helping each party save face while protecting civilian lives.

Observers note that Trump’s political capital, especially among Israeli leadership, gives him the leverage to push this deal through — something previous U.S. administrations have struggled to do.

Conclusion: Opportunity Amidst Crisis

The situation in Gaza remains fragile, but the 60-day ceasefire proposal brings a glimmer of hope after nearly two years of devastating conflict.

Israel has shown willingness, Hamas is under pressure, and global powers are engaged. The next few days will be critical in determining whether this opening turns into a historic breakthrough or yet another missed opportunity in the long saga of Middle East peace efforts.

If the ceasefire holds, it could pave the way for a broader political settlement, the return of all hostages, and finally, an end to the suffering of millions of civilians caught in the crossfire.

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