Trump urges deal to end Gaza war as signs of progress emerge

US President Donald Trump has renewed calls for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, urging both sides to “make the deal in Gaza” as signs of diplomatic movement begin to surface.

His message, posted on Truth Social, included a direct plea: “Get the hostages back!!!” — a reference to Israeli and foreign nationals still held in Gaza since the October 2023 Hamas attack that triggered the ongoing war.

Trump’s comments come at a time when Israeli forces have intensified operations in northern Gaza, ordering mass evacuations from areas such as Gaza City and Jabalia.

Meanwhile, international mediators—including Qatar, Egypt, and the US—continue behind-the-scenes negotiations to secure a framework for a temporary ceasefire and hostage exchange.

Trump claimed that “people close to the negotiations feel that a deal could happen within the week,” although no specific roadmap or confirmation has yet been released by the involved governments.

His remarks appear to echo sentiments among some Israeli and US officials, who have indicated that a truce framework is being considered under certain conditions, including the staged release of hostages in exchange for a temporary halt in Israeli military operations.

While President Joe Biden’s administration has been directly involved in ceasefire mediation since early 2024, Trump’s statement suggests he continues to maintain a parallel channel of influence—particularly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he shares a longstanding alliance.

Trump also hinted that Netanyahu may travel to Washington soon, although Israel has not officially confirmed any visit.

In addition to ceasefire comments, Trump criticized Israel’s internal political developments, calling the corruption trials against Netanyahu a “witch hunt” and suggesting they could interfere with national security priorities. “It’s not the time for this kind of distraction,” he said.

This isn’t the first time Trump has weighed in on the conflict. In recent months, he has repeatedly pushed for an end to the war, often linking it to broader regional normalization efforts he championed during his presidency, including the Abraham Accords.

Observers note that Trump's statement—though unofficial—could influence political narratives in both the US and Israel. In the run-up to the 2024 US elections, foreign policy has become a key issue, with voters and analysts closely tracking developments in the Middle East.

The situation in Gaza remains highly fluid. The Israeli military continues to face armed resistance from Hamas fighters, while humanitarian agencies warn of worsening conditions for civilians trapped in conflict zones.

Any breakthrough deal would need to address multiple layers of hostilities, including ceasefire terms, humanitarian aid corridors, and future governance of the Gaza Strip.

As of now, neither Hamas nor the Israeli government has officially commented on Trump’s statements or confirmed a timeline for a potential agreement.