Trump Intensifies Diplomatic Push for Gaza Ceasefire Agreement - Faith & Freedom News

President Donald Trump has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire deal, with Israeli officials indicating that a 60-day ceasefire could begin as early as next week if Hamas provides a “positive answer” to the latest proposal. The development comes as negotiations enter a critical phase, with all parties awaiting Hamas’s formal response expected on Friday.

Personal Presidential Commitment to Peace Process

The proposed framework involves a 60-day ceasefire period during which half of the hostages held by Hamas would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with the remaining hostages to be freed as part of a comprehensive deal ensuring the war’s end. Sources indicate that Trump has offered a personal pledge to continue negotiations beyond the temporary ceasefire period, demonstrating unprecedented presidential involvement in the peace process.

According to Hebrew media reports, Trump’s commitment includes ensuring that “negotiations over the terms for ending the war will continue even after a temporary ceasefire” and that he will “do everything in his power to help the parties reach an agreement on the terms of a permanent ceasefire.”

Comprehensive Ceasefire Framework Details

The proposed 60-day agreement timeline, as reported by Egyptian media outlet Al-Rad, includes specific phases:

Phase 1 (Days 1-10):

Release of 8 living hostages on Day 1
Israeli Defense Forces begin withdrawal from northern Gaza
Transfer of 5 bodies to Israel by Day 7
Exchange of information regarding hostage status and Palestinian detainees by Day 10

Phase 2 (Days 30-60):

Additional body transfers and living hostage releases
Continued IDF withdrawal expanding southward
Immediate humanitarian aid access to Gaza
Commencement of negotiations for long-term security arrangements

White House Meeting with Freed Hostage

In a significant diplomatic gesture, President Trump met with freed American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander at the White House on July 3, 2025. Alexander, 21, was released after 584 days in Hamas captivity, and his meeting with Trump underscores the administration’s commitment to securing the release of all remaining hostages.

During the Oval Office meeting, Alexander reportedly pressed the president to continue efforts to free the remaining hostages held in captivity by Hamas. White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt noted that “the horrors they endured under Hamas captivity are unimaginable, but their strength and faith in God throughout are deeply inspiring”.

International Mediation Efforts

Egypt and Qatar continue to serve as key mediators in the negotiations, with both nations providing international guarantees for the proposed ceasefire framework. The involvement of these regional powers demonstrates the broader international commitment to achieving a lasting peace agreement.

Current Status and Future Prospects

Trump posted on Truth Social that “Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War”, while warning Hamas that the deal “will not get better” if rejected.

The current negotiations represent a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, with approximately 50 Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza. The success of these diplomatic efforts could pave the way for a comprehensive resolution to the conflict that has persisted for over 21 months.

Diplomatic Challenges and Opportunities

The proposed ceasefire framework addresses several key concerns of all parties involved:

For Israel: Immediate return of hostages and gradual security normalization
For Palestinians: Humanitarian aid access and prisoner releases
For Regional Stability: Structured withdrawal and long-term security arrangements

As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely for Hamas’s response to what many observers are calling a crucial opportunity for peace in the region.

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