TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — In a poignant appeal to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump called for urgent progress in ceasefire negotiations on Sunday. As the 20-month-long war between Israel and Hamas shows signs of potential resolution, Trump emphasized the need for a ceasefire agreement that also secures the release of hostages.
An Israeli official disclosed that preparations are underway for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Washington in the coming weeks, hinting at possible diplomatic advancements. The official requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the unconfirmed plans. Trump reinforced his position on social media, urging the need to “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!”
Adding to the optimism, Trump indicated on Friday that a ceasefire could be within reach as early as next week, stating, “We’re working on Gaza and trying to get it taken care of.” Despite a ceasefire initiated shortly after Trump’s presidential inauguration earlier this year, subsequent efforts to negotiate a lasting agreement have faltered.
Meanwhile, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, a close adviser to Netanyahu, is set to travel to Washington this week to discuss potential ceasefire terms. Trump’s intervention in Israeli domestic politics has raised eyebrows, particularly as he continues to criticize the ongoing corruption trial against Netanyahu, likening it to a political witch hunt that distracts from urgent national matters.
On the ground in Gaza, the Israeli military ordered mass evacuations in extensive northern regions, where fighting has decimated infrastructure. Col. Avichay Adraee, a military spokesperson, outlined the directive via social media, encompassing multiple neighborhoods in eastern and northern Gaza City, including the Jabaliya refugee camp. The military aims to consolidate operations by pushing civilians southward, a strategy criticized by human rights organizations as a forcible transfer of populations.
The conflict traces its roots back to the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 people dead and around 250 taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel’s military actions have reportedly resulted in over 56,000 deaths, with local health authorities indicating that a significant number of casualties are women and children. The current humanitarian crisis has not only displaced Gaza’s populace but has also devastated the region’s urban landscape.
Difficulties remain as negotiations between Israel and Hamas hit stalemates, primarily due to contrasting positions on ending the conflict. Hamas official Mahmoud Merdawi has accused Netanyahu of obstructing progress by proposing only limited agreements. According to Merdawi, Netanyahu’s current approach favors a temporary solution that would release merely 10 hostages, while Hamas insists on an unconditional withdrawal of Israeli troops in exchange for the full release of hostages-a proposition Israel firmly rejects.
As the world watches closely, the urgency for peace continues to grow. With both political and humanitarian stakes soaring, the path to ceasefire remains fraught with challenges, leaving many to hope for a breakthrough that could finally bring an end to the suffering endured on both sides.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/29/trump-calls-for-a-deal-on-the-gaza-war-as-signs-of-progress-emerge.html
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Publish Date: 2025-06-29 15:06:00
