Israel has agreed to a 60-day temporary ceasefire with Hamas, US President Donald Trump announced early Wednesday, July 2. Trump stated that during this ceasefire, the US will work with all parties to achieve a permanent end to the conflict. He praised Qatar and Egypt for their mediation efforts, urging Hamas to accept the deal for the sake of regional peace.
The ceasefire negotiations, led by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, had been stalled for months as Israel wanted the right to resume attacks after the temporary truce, while Hamas demanded guarantees for a permanent ceasefire. Trump’s announcement signals a strategic move to keep both sides engaged, promising long-term peace discussions.
Arab mediators continue to resolve outstanding issues, with Trump emphasizing his priority to end the violence in Gaza. He is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House next Monday, with US officials pressuring Israel to finalize the ceasefire before the meeting.
