Trump Expects Update on Hamas Ceasefire Decision
President Trump stated late Thursday that he anticipates hearing from the Palestinian group Hamas regarding a “final” decision on a ceasefire proposal with Israel within the next 24 hours.
Earlier this week, Trump shared that Israel has accepted “necessary conditions” to achieve a two-month ceasefire with Hamas, which is categorized as a terrorist organization by the US.
“My representative had a lengthy and fruitful meeting with Israel today in Gaza. Israel has agreed to the conditions that will enable the completion of the 60-day ceasefire. During this period, we’ll collaborate with all political factions to end the conflict,” he said.
After returning to Washington, D.C. from a rally in Des Moines, Iowa, Trump was asked if Hamas had accepted the new ceasefire proposal, a framework presented by regional mediators from Egypt and Qatar.
On Tuesday, Trump cautioned Hamas that extremist groups need to agree to a deal.
In a statement released on Friday morning, Hamas mentioned that it was considering proposals with other Palestinian factions and would come to a “final decision” once those talks concluded.
The group is looking for assurances that part of the proposed framework includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas within the Gaza Strip, and that IDF military actions would cease even after the 60-day ceasefire ends.
Trump is slated to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday to discuss various issues, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
His administration has been actively working to establish a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stressing the requirements from Palestinian extremist groups to release hostages taken during the attacks in Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and approximately 250 hostages being taken.
In retaliation, Israeli military actions have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 56,000 Palestinians, according to the health ministry controlled by Hamas, though this figure does not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
The Trump administration previously attempted to achieve a ceasefire in May when Middle Eastern envoy Steve Witkov proposed a supportive plan to Israel, but those efforts were unsuccessful. After a framework was proposed that included provisions for Israeli safety and the release of deceased hostages, Hamas expressed a willingness to negotiate, although Witkov later claimed their actions were “completely unacceptable.”
On Thursday, Trump also confirmed a meeting with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the White House, where the Abraham Accords were among the topics discussed.
“I think many individuals will be involved in Abraham’s agreement,” Trump mentioned to reporters.
